Do you celebrate Valentine's Day?

[moonmorgan]

Do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Is it purely secular for you or are they religious connotations? Has how you celebrate changed since you've become Pagan (assuming you weren't always.) The Poll allows multiple options, select what fits with your beliefs and then post here to explain.

I exchanged valentine's in school and made heart crafts. As a teen I exchanged gifts and cards with my family and since I've been with my fiance, Valentine's Day has been about our love, and we make or buy gifts for each other and spend the day together.

I'm trying to figure out now if I understand why I celebrate and if I should be changing my celebarations at all since I'm Pagan. Now that I have a child, I want to be sure I know what I'm celebrating and why.

[LostSheep]

Well, like a lot of them, Valentine's Day probably has pagan origins...


February fertility festivals
On the ancient Athens calendar, the period between mid-January and mid-February was the month of Gamelion, dedicated to the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera.

In Ancient Rome, February 15 was Lupercalia. Plutarch wrote:

Lupercalia, of which many write that it was anciently celebrated by shepherds, and has also some connection with the Arcadian Lycaea. At this time many of the noble youths and the magistrates run up and down through the city naked, for sport and laughter striking those they meet with shaggy thongs. And many women of rank also purposely get in their way, and like children at school present their hands to be struck, believing that the pregnant will thus be helped in delivery, and the barren to pregnancy.[3]

The word Lupercalia comes from lupus, or wolf, so the holiday may be connected with the legendary wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus. Lupercalia was a festival local to the city of Rome. The more general Festival of Juno Februa, meaning "Juno the purifier" or "the chaste Juno," was celebrated on February 13-14. Pope Gelasius I (492-496) abolished Lupercalia. Some historians argue that Candlemas (then held on February 14, later moved to February 2) was promoted as its replacement, but this feast was already being celebrated in Jerusalem by AD 381. The pope also declared in 496 that the feast of St. Valentine would be on February 14.

I do like the idea of magistrates walking around the city naked. Maybe that's soemthing we could revive?

:eyebrow:

[Shanti]

No!
No reason too.
Not big on commercialism either.
Besides, the candy corn at Halloween is much better and Christmas's candy canes are up there too in the delicious factor!!
Valentine candy sucks.

[_Banbha_]

Though named for a Catholic saint and it does have traditional Catholic origins, the older ones are Pagan. I don't see why it's not a holiday for everyone. :) For me it's largely secular but still a part of the larger Imbolc season, so to speak.

Pagan origins (http://atheism.about.com/od/religiousholidays/a/valentine.htm)

Valentine's Day Site (http://www.techdirect.com/valentine/index.html)

Love Lore (http://www.me2u.com/LoveLore/Valentine/)

Catholic origins (http://www.techdirect.com/valentine/index.html)

[_Banbha_]

No!

Valentine candy sucks.

Not if you love chocolate! 8O

[Shanti]

Not if you love chocolate! 8OI hate chocolate! Yuk!

[LostSheep]

i think we ought to revive the custom of hitting people with shaggy thongs.

What is a shaggy thong?

no, i don't want to know.

_inabox_

[_Banbha_]

I hate chocolate! Yuk!

:holycow:


Well, I eat if for it's high nutritional value. :bigblue:

[_Banbha_]

i think we ought to revive the custom of hitting people with shaggy thongs.

What is a shaggy thong?

no, i don't want to know.

_inabox_

:hehehehe: I think they are furry whips to hit on the hand with to ensure fertility and easy birth.


The Lupercalia incident (http://www.livius.org/caa-can/caesar/caesar_t18.html)

[WokeUpDead]

The day after Valentine's Day should be way more important to everybody.

[Shanti]

The day after Valentine's Day should be way more important to everybody.Ok, Why? :)

[WokeUpDead]

Because what would you people do without me?

[Amelserru_halqu]

Ok, Why? :)

Because all the candy goes on sale.

[Shanti]

Because all the candy goes on sale.
Excellent point!!
I got 100 large candy canes for 50 cents after Christmas!!:toofless:
Shame I don't like valentine candy. :(

[Amelserru_halqu]

Excellent point!!
I got 100 large candy canes for 50 cents after Christmas!!:toofless:
Shame I don't like valentine candy. :(

But valentine's skittles are yummy.

[Sionnach le Fey]

Heck, why not ;) Any excuse to eat more chocolate and be surrounded by pink & fluffy things!

[Arion]

I like Valentines Day, I like the idea of celebrating love and romance. I loved V-Day in elementary school when we'd write V-day notes to our classmates and give them out, it was fun. Can't complain about the chocolate either:toofless:

It kind of stinks when you don't have a significant other, and everyone else is walking around in couples. It seems popular in my school for everyone to pair up just before V-day, and the whole atmosphere is very couple-y. We also have this horrible thing at my school called "Love Week" when there are activities after school for couples, and matchmakers for single people. I've never participated... :blech:

Okay, maybe it isn't such a nice holiday, but i imagine it could be if i wasn't single and bitter.

[moonmorgan]

Thanks for the replies so far although I'm looking for more answers still.

I know the Pagan origins of Valentine's Day, that's why I was wondering if Pagans celebrate it and if so, if it's because of the Pagan origins or if that has nothing to do with it.

Vday does suck a bit when you're single but I promise purplepanther it's much better once you find that someone. In the mean time, use the day to show your family and friends how much you love them and learn to love yourself.

[Zephyrstorm]

Hubby and I use it as an excuse to go out on a date and buy each other presents. And that's it!
except this year, we stumbled across a tin of Bailey's Irish Creme Chocolates. yum! :drool:

and we never go out on a date the day of - for example, this afternoon's lunch was our valentine's date. :D

[skilly-nilly]

Because what would you people do without me?

It's my b'day too! :wave: :cheers:


But valentine's skittles are yummy.

I love the cinnamon hearts!!

In general, I think all of the societal holidays are debased:


the Holiday of Prove your Love through Expensive Gifts,
coming after
the Holiday of Greed from Children
and the Holiday of Excessive Drinking by Nominal Adults
followed by the Holidays of Offensive Green Beer Consumption by Non-Irish,
Chocolate Bunnies,
Annual Take your Mother to Lunch,
Flag-Waving Bar-be-ques,
Gorging on Turkey, and
Begging for Candy from Strangers.

We have one that is celebrated just in Canada which is Drink Beer in Honor of Queen Victoria(May 24),
and the solely Quebec one that is Party on for StJean Baptiste on the Summer Solstice


But I think that Prove Your Love is a particularly invidious holiday.

[Arion]

We have one that is celebrated just in Canada which is Drink Beer in Honor of Queen Victoria(May 24)

Also known as Another Reason For Teenagers To Get Smashed Day, and Annoy Your Neighbours With Fireworks Day. I doubt very many people can tell you who Queen Victoria was, but hey, it doesn't stop them from celebrating May 2-4.

[Theres]

i don't celebrate Valentine's Day for a number of reasons;

I refuse to fall victim to 'Hallmark Holidays'.

i have no interest in St. Valentine.

i honestly feel that the sentiment supposedly featured on February 14 is one that should be celebrated every day of the year (if you are fortunate enough to have someone to celebrate it with).

my wife's birthday is the 12th, so i can get away with not bothering (and she shares my views entirely).
(Happy Birthday Dragonfly, my love! ;) )

my best friends husband died suddenly on Valentine's Day 2000, so it's hard to think about anything but him on that day (not that i did before anyway).

[Greybird]

I'm oblivious to Valentine's Day. My wife, on the other hand, isn't, and I know what's good for me, so I observe it out of a sense of self-preservation. ;)

Oh, and Romans - keep your shaggy thongs away from me. :noway:

[inkywitch]

I don't really know about the origins of Valentines, and never have celebrated it strictly in the past. BUT, I've been thinking about it recently, and I think if you are in a relationship, its a good opportunity to take time out and appreciate each other. I also think V-day should not only focus on couples, but promote self-love as well, and all people who you love.

I have seen so many single people feel so unwanted and lonely at least ONCE in their lifetime on V-day... If you don't have a partner, take time out and pamper yourself cos you're worth it too!

[LostSheep]

Can i just say that I'm not really sure if I like the term "V-day"? it sounds disturbingly similar to something else if you say it wrong.


Also known as Another Reason For Teenagers To Get Smashed Day, and Annoy Your Neighbours With Fireworks Day. I doubt very many people can tell you who Queen Victoria was, but hey, it doesn't stop them from celebrating May 2-4.

you have a three day holiday because of Queen Victoria? :foh:

[Xirian]

No, I don't celebrate it and never have. I don't think just one day a year should be set aside for reverence of love and companionship. I think that should be something a person does everyday, whether it is towards their loved ones or themselves.

[Arion]

you have a three day holiday because of Queen Victoria? :foh:

No no:lol:... We just have a Monday off, long weekend. It's around May 24th, so the occasion is called "May two four" by the people I know who use the whole long weekend as an excuse to get smashed. "Queen Victoria who?" ;)

[Greymuse]

I don't know exactly how to answer in the poll. I don't consider Valentine's Day much of a 'religious' holiday, so I've no spirituality attached to to it. I'm not particularly attracted by the commercialization of 'love and affection', so I don't rush out to buy up gobs of candy or cards for everyone I know.

On the other hand, I do end up getting some special things, a stuffed toy for my daughter or a Reese's Peanut Butter Heart for myself, and my SO and I are planning on eating dinner out as a family at the new Indian restaraunt in town on Feb 14th.

I guess the short answer is I use the day as an excuse for some extra focus on what my family already feels for each other.

[SalemWitchChild]

I celebrate it by spending my time (and my money) for them. Besides, I love a good reason to eat junk food. Seriously, it's about showing the ones you care for that you love them. It has nothing to do with religion for me.

[jodarius]

I havent been given a choice this year lol.

[Whitewolf]

It kind of stinks when you don't have a significant other, and everyone else is walking around in couples.
Okay, maybe it isn't such a nice holiday, but i imagine it could be if i wasn't single and bitter.

I know exactly how you feel. I'm single. Plus its too commerial and drives me nuts.

[SalemWitchChild]

I know exactly how you feel. I'm single. Plus its too commerial and drives me nuts.

Quote:
Originally Posted by purplepanther

It kind of stinks when you don't have a significant other, and everyone else is walking around in couples.
Okay, maybe it isn't such a nice holiday, but i imagine it could be if i wasn't single and bitter.

I know exactly how you feel. I'm single. Plus its too commerial and drives me nuts.




valentines day is not only about couples though. You can still show others you love such as parents, grandparents, siblings, best friends etc... how much you love them. It doesn't have to be a romantic love.

And I hardly ever hear people complain about Christmas being too commercial.. so I can't see why people should complain about valentines day.

[covenofkeys]

do i celebrate valentines day? er...NO.:lol:

i have the misery of a marrital anniversary once a year, why the heck would i wanna twice a year?! so NO , NO , AND NO AGAIN!!!

[Theres]

And I hardly ever hear people complain about Christmas being too commercial...
you don't?!!!
you must not be paying attention then!

[SalemWitchChild]

you don't?!!!
you must not be paying attention then!


Nope. I just guess everyone I know loves the fact that it's commerical.

[Jolixte]

Nope, and I haven't been attached to someone on that day to even have another person to consider.

[David19]

I don't have any plans, unfortunely, i haven't actually ever been with someone on Valentine's Day to even celebrate it with :(.

Am i sad or what?.

[XanderAmon]

Completely secular. Before I started dating my S.O., I saw it as a day to pass out candy to friends and family and remind them they are loved (not that it's the only day of the year to do it, but I like any reason for a celebration :) ). Now in addition to that I have more exiciting things to do... <.< >.>

[mithrilmoon]

I used to celebrate it, yes.

Sadly i haven't had a card for a couple of years now.

Sniffle!

[Zibblsnrt]

I tend to ignore the commercial aspects (as I do with all holidays), play down the relationship aspects, and play up the "acknowledge anyone you're close to" aspects.

I ended up getting set off into a big rant about my take on the whole thing last year somewhere off-site; I'm tempted to repost it here, at least since 'tis the season.

[moonmorgan]

i honestly feel that the sentiment supposedly featured on February 14 is one that should be celebrated every day of the year (if you are fortunate enough to have someone to celebrate it with)

Just because I celebrate our love on Valentine's Day doesn't mean I don't celebrate it the rest of the days. However life gets hectic, especially with kids and you often don't take the initiative to get a babysitter and go out or whatever. With a highly publicized holiday, it's easier to do that.

I really don't get the whole commercialized idea. What's so bad about that? So people make money, that's how the world works. No one says you have to buy a card, you could make one. You don't have to go to the movies or out for dinner, you could send any kids away from the house and have a night to yourselves watching TV or just enjoying each other's company. If other people want to spend money, let them.

Everything nowadays is commercialized.

[Neoscottie]

I mainly celebrate Valentines Day with my family and close friends, but it's not a big deal. Just some candy and a homemade card.

I hate how the holiday is so commercialized, but hey, it's an excuse to get candy and cute little things for friends, so why not? <3

[Agaliha]

No I don't celebrate Valentine's Day -- It's not really important to me. Even if I was in a relationship.
I celebrate completely secular -- only because I used to hand out V-Day cards in school and I eat Teh Candy.
Valentine's Day is too commericial for me -- because it is, commercial it is. Many people don't even know this history behind it all.

Oh and here are some links of interest:

Valentines Day History (http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/pages/saint_valentine.htm) Historical facts about St. Valentine, the origin of Valentine Day, and descriptions of traditions associated with valentine.
Valentines' Day: Not Like it Used to Be (http://wilstar.com/holidays/valentn.htm) Explains how Valentine's Day customs of past and present differ rather remarkably.
Wikipedia: Valentine's Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine's_Day) Offers a history of Valentine's Day, how the holiday is celebrated in non-Western countries, and more.
Origins of Valentine's Day (http://www.techdirect.com/valentine/origin.html) Offers several interpretations of the origins of Valentine's Day as well as an overview of the history of the valentine.
How Valentine's Day Works (http://people.howstuffworks.com/valentine.htm) Reviews the origins, traditions, and symbols of Valentine's Day.
History of Valentine's Day (http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/valentine/) A look at the origins of the most romantic holiday, including the real St. Valentine. From the History Channel.
Valentine's Day Origins (http://grove.ufl.edu/~leo/val.html) The Catholic Church's attempt to paper over a popular pagan fertility rite with the clubbing death and decapitation of one of its own martyrs is the origin of this lovers' holiday.
History of Cupid and Valentine's Day (http://www.theromantic.com/valentinesday/cupid.htm) Offers information on the legend of Cupid.
About.com: Valentine's Day (http://dating.about.com/library/weekly/aa020100.htm) Brief overview of the origins and development of the holiday.
History of St. Valentine's Day (http://www.theromantic.com/valentinesday/history.htm) Offers a history of Valentine's Day and its patron saint.

[LostSheep]

Happy Lupercalia everyone!

I couldn't find any cards, only for something called Valentines Day, whatever that's about.

But hey.

[Élistariel]

I didn't vote. I don't celebrate. Unless you count sending cards to family and sometimes friends as celebrating. I didn't send any cards this year.
To be honest, until I saw this thread, I totally forgot it was Valentines. :bigredblu

Maybe I'd better not wear my skull and crossbones earrings today. :lol:
Then again...

[Arion]

i honestly feel that the sentiment supposedly featured on February 14 is one that should be celebrated every day of the year (if you are fortunate enough to have someone to celebrate it with).

True, but it's also nice to have a special day specifically for romance and all that mushy stuff. Sure, you can do nice things for significant other every day, but V-day is a nice opportunity to stop and get into a lovey-dovey state of mind, and many other people are in the same mode, which makes the atmosphere of it even better if a lot of people are celebrating their relationships at the same time. I like the idea of writing a card to one's significant other, letting them know how much you love him or her, or sharing an intimate dinner, or whatever. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic8O

[moonmorgan]

I just wanted to share a new article on Witchvox that explains more about Lupercalia. However be warned, it's not for the prudish or very young.

http://www.witchvox.com/va/dt_va.html?a=usfl&c=holidays&id=11578