Valentine's day is known as the most romantic moment to celebrate with your beloved ones. Did you know the history behind it?
Love and Miracles
Valentine's Day has its roots in the story of Saint Valentine of Terni, a 3rd-century priest. He was a passionate advocate for marriage, secretly performing and blessing unions despite the Roman Empire’s ban. His actions led to his imprisonment and eventual beheading in the late 200s, on February 14, though the exact year of his death remains unclear.
During his imprisonment, Valentine of Terni was guarded by a Roman prefect named Asterius, whose daughter was blind. According to legend, Valentine fell deeply in love with the young woman. Moved by his feelings, he placed his hands over her eyes and prayed fervently for her to regain her sight. Miraculously, his prayer was answered, and the girl was cured of her blindness. This act of love and devotion became one of the many stories that contributed to Saint Valentine’s association.
Modern Valentine's Day
Today, Valentine's Day has evolved into a largely commercial celebration, but it also remains a time to express love through thoughtful gestures—whether through gifts, bouquets of roses, chocolates, dinners, or heartfelt letters. This day is celebrated around the world, with each country adding its own unique customs. In Japan, for instance, women give chocolates to the men they love. In the Philippines, couples kiss for several seconds on the shores of Manila Bay at midnight. And in Thailand, it's considered a good-luck day, with many choosing this occasion to marry.
In Belgium, the years go by, but certain traditions endure. On Valentine's Day, Belgians still seem as attentive to their loved ones as they were 30 years ago, and still celebrate this commercial event.
However, traditions have changed when it comes to gifts. Today's trend is to order gifts online and focus on experience. For instance, a gift voucher for spa day or a romantic getaway.
