Happy Valentine’s Day

Private Home Health Care would like to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love.  You may be married, single widowed or divorced but for each this is a day to spread love with your partner, your family or your friends.

The holiday has been celebrated on February 14 for many years, but how exactly did the day come to be about love and why on February 14?

There are no definitive answers when you look at early history.  The holiday has roots in both Christian and Roman traditions.  

The Romans had a  pagan celebration called Lupercalia.  Lupercalia was a festival of fertility celebrated in the middle of February (15).  As Christianity became stronger this festival was pushed away..

Pope Gelasius at the end of the 5th century declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s day.  This was an effort to spread Christianity over pagan traditions.   This was not however when it focused on a day of love.  

The first quoted recognition of Valentine’s Day related to romance and love was from Geoffrey Chaucer.  You can read his poem called “Parliament of Foules” to see the association. 

Jump to the 17th century and the United States when Valentine’s Day became popular to celebrate.  You would give a small token of affection or a handwritten note.  By the 1900’s printed cards were available.

Today you’ll see expressions of  love with flowers, candy and cards.  Children love sharing valentine cards with each other.  

We hope that on this day we all find a way to share the love of the day in some way.  A compliment or a kind action or word is a great way to help your heart health too.

#ValentinesDay