The History of Valentine’s Day
In ancient days, an Ancient Emperor Claudius II of Rome executed two men, both named Valentine, on February 14th on different years in the 3rd century AD. Later, Pope Gelasius combined St. Valentine’s Day with Lupercalia to expel the pagan rituals. The Normans celebrated Galatians Day (lover of women).
Eventually, as the world started to grow, the tradition started to grow. Hallmark then began making cards in factories in 1415. The tradition began to develop and people started finding more ways to shower those they love with love and affection. People began buying flowers, candy, cards, stuffed animals, and jewelry to give to their significant other as a way to show their love on this holiday. Today the total amount of money being spent on Valentine’s Day is $19.6 billion.
The History of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day, named after Saint Patrick, celebrates the legacy of a man who was brought to Ireland at the age of 16 as a slave. He escaped and later returned to Ireland where he was said to have been credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
In the centuries his death, said to have been on March 14th, 461 AD, Saint Patrick gained mythological notoriety as he traveled and became even more ingrained in the Irish culture. As the mythology began to spread, people started migrating to the United States where each city would host something different in order to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Today St. Patrick’s day is widely known as the holiday where people wear green and explore their Irish culture. Many host feasts, participate in parades, or dye the rivers green. It seems that on St. Patrick’ day, everyone’s a little Irish!
The History of Easter
To many, Easter, a widely-celebrated religious holiday, is known to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. There is a 40-day period and a 50-day period the represents the time of reflect and penance that represents the 40 days Jesus spent alone in the wilderness. The 50-day period is called Easter tide. This includes a celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.
Known as a moveable holiday, unlike other holidays, Easter never falls on the same date as the year before. It is most known that Christian churches celebrate Easter on the first sunday following the full moon after the Vernal equinox on March 21st. Therefore, Easter is said to fall anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th.
Easter isn't just about the religious significances; there is also a commercial side where people spend money on buying baskets to decorate, fill those baskets with different sorts of candy in, and buy little plastic eggs. They either put candy or money in them and hide them to have an Easter egg hunt.
Adapted from: www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter
