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Questions and Answers
Which religious denomination considers Saint Valentine's Day an official feast day?
Which religious denomination considers Saint Valentine's Day an official feast day?
What event prompted the association of Valentine's Day with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries?
What event prompted the association of Valentine's Day with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries?
Which symbol associated with Valentine's Day can be traced back to an 8th-century record?
Which symbol associated with Valentine's Day can be traced back to an 8th-century record?
In Italy, what is the significance of Saint Valentine's keys given to lovers?
In Italy, what is the significance of Saint Valentine's keys given to lovers?
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Who is credited with producing and selling the first mass-produced Valentines of embossed paper lace in the United States?
Who is credited with producing and selling the first mass-produced Valentines of embossed paper lace in the United States?
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What was a significant factor that led to an increase in the number of Valentines posted in the United States?
What was a significant factor that led to an increase in the number of Valentines posted in the United States?
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What was a consequence of Valentine cards becoming popular in England in the early 19th century?
What was a consequence of Valentine cards becoming popular in England in the early 19th century?
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Who used the legend of marriage among birds as inspiration for an epithalamion celebrating a royal wedding on Valentine's Day?
Who used the legend of marriage among birds as inspiration for an epithalamion celebrating a royal wedding on Valentine's Day?
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Which major event led to the first mass exchange of cards anonymously?
Which major event led to the first mass exchange of cards anonymously?
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Who is associated with creating scores of suggested sentimental verses for Valentine cards?
Who is associated with creating scores of suggested sentimental verses for Valentine cards?
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Who is the only named individual mentioned in the text present at Mantes?
Who is the only named individual mentioned in the text present at Mantes?
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Which author most likely predated Otton de Grandson, John Gower, and Pardo in writing poems about birds mating on St. Valentine's Day?
Which author most likely predated Otton de Grandson, John Gower, and Pardo in writing poems about birds mating on St. Valentine's Day?
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What suggests that Chaucer's reference to a supposedly established tradition in the Parliament of Fowls might not be accurate?
What suggests that Chaucer's reference to a supposedly established tradition in the Parliament of Fowls might not be accurate?
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Which scholar is attributed with starting the speculative derivation of sentimental customs from the distant past?
Which scholar is attributed with starting the speculative derivation of sentimental customs from the distant past?
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What event prompted Geoffrey Chaucer to write the Parliament of Fowls about birds choosing their mates?
What event prompted Geoffrey Chaucer to write the Parliament of Fowls about birds choosing their mates?
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Which figure suggested that boys and girls in Lupercalia drew names from a jar to make couples?
Which figure suggested that boys and girls in Lupercalia drew names from a jar to make couples?
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What was Saint Valentine of Rome imprisoned for?
What was Saint Valentine of Rome imprisoned for?
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Which emperor is associated with the prohibition of marriages for soldiers, leading Saint Valentine to perform weddings in secret?
Which emperor is associated with the prohibition of marriages for soldiers, leading Saint Valentine to perform weddings in secret?
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According to tradition, what did Saint Valentine engrave on the purple amethyst ring he wore?
According to tradition, what did Saint Valentine engrave on the purple amethyst ring he wore?
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What did Saint Valentine supposedly cut from parchment to remind persecuted Christians of their vows and God's love?
What did Saint Valentine supposedly cut from parchment to remind persecuted Christians of their vows and God's love?
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What is the significance of the almond tree planted near Saint Valentine's grave according to legend?
What is the significance of the almond tree planted near Saint Valentine's grave according to legend?
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In which century did the expression 'From your Valentine' originate?
In which century did the expression 'From your Valentine' originate?
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Which organization has published the legend of Saint Valentine writing the first valentine card himself?
Which organization has published the legend of Saint Valentine writing the first valentine card himself?
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'Your Valentine' as a farewell message was addressed to whom?
'Your Valentine' as a farewell message was addressed to whom?
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What do Roman soldiers supposedly recognize about Saint Valentine based on a customarily worn ring?
What do Roman soldiers supposedly recognize about Saint Valentine based on a customarily worn ring?
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What symbol was engraved on the purple amethyst ring customarily worn by Christian bishops?
What symbol was engraved on the purple amethyst ring customarily worn by Christian bishops?
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Which organization has also repeated the legend of Saint Valentine writing the first valentine card himself?
Which organization has also repeated the legend of Saint Valentine writing the first valentine card himself?
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What did Saint Valentine reportedly write on the letter addressed to the jailer's daughter?
What did Saint Valentine reportedly write on the letter addressed to the jailer's daughter?
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What is the origin of the tradition of sending cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts on Valentine's Day?
What is the origin of the tradition of sending cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts on Valentine's Day?
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What day was traditionally celebrated as the day of love before Valentine's Day?
What day was traditionally celebrated as the day of love before Valentine's Day?
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Which of the following is NOT a traditional European folk tradition associated with Saint Valentine's Day?
Which of the following is NOT a traditional European folk tradition associated with Saint Valentine's Day?
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What has been established by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales ahead of St. Valentine's Day?
What has been established by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales ahead of St. Valentine's Day?
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'Jack' Valentine is associated with which regional custom related to Valentine's Day?
'Jack' Valentine is associated with which regional custom related to Valentine's Day?
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Who was considered the patron of love before Saint Anthony?
Who was considered the patron of love before Saint Anthony?
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In which country did the practice of exchanging cards on Valentine's Day originally become established?
In which country did the practice of exchanging cards on Valentine's Day originally become established?
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What has been observed about the mid-19th century Valentine's Day trade in the U.S.?
What has been observed about the mid-19th century Valentine's Day trade in the U.S.?
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What has become associated with Valentine's Day since the second half of the 20th century that extends beyond cards?
What has become associated with Valentine's Day since the second half of the 20th century that extends beyond cards?
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What is the estimated yearly figure for valentines sent in the U.S., according to the U.S. Greeting Card Association?
What is the estimated yearly figure for valentines sent in the U.S., according to the U.S. Greeting Card Association?
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What has been created since the increase in Internet use around the turn of the millennium in relation to Valentine's Day?
What has been created since the increase in Internet use around the turn of the millennium in relation to Valentine's Day?
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What is considered by some people as a characteristic of Valentine's Day?
What is considered by some people as a characteristic of Valentine's Day?
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What miracle is Saint Valentine reported to have performed before his execution?
What miracle is Saint Valentine reported to have performed before his execution?
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Where is Saint Valentine of Rome said to be buried?
Where is Saint Valentine of Rome said to be buried?
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In which religious denomination does Saint Valentine's Day have the rank of "commemoration" on the calendar of saints?
In which religious denomination does Saint Valentine's Day have the rank of "commemoration" on the calendar of saints?
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When is Saint Valentine recognized in the Eastern Orthodox Church?
When is Saint Valentine recognized in the Eastern Orthodox Church?
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Who were baptized after Saint Valentine healed Julia, the blind daughter of Asterius?
Who were baptized after Saint Valentine healed Julia, the blind daughter of Asterius?
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Why was the feast day of Saint Valentine on February 14 relegated from the General Roman Calendar to particular calendars?
Why was the feast day of Saint Valentine on February 14 relegated from the General Roman Calendar to particular calendars?
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'Abstracts of the acts of the two saints were in nearly every church and monastery of Europe.' Which two saints are being referred to in this statement?
'Abstracts of the acts of the two saints were in nearly every church and monastery of Europe.' Which two saints are being referred to in this statement?
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'Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (now Terni)' - What was Valentine of Terni's position before becoming a bishop?
'Valentine of Terni became bishop of Interamna (now Terni)' - What was Valentine of Terni's position before becoming a bishop?
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'Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine.' What is implied by this statement?
'Numerous early Christian martyrs were named Valentine.' What is implied by this statement?
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'The flower-crowned skull of Saint Valentine is exhibited in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome.' What relic is preserved at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland?
'The flower-crowned skull of Saint Valentine is exhibited in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome.' What relic is preserved at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland?
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What percentage of respondents did not wish to celebrate Valentine's Day according to a 2018 online survey?
What percentage of respondents did not wish to celebrate Valentine's Day according to a 2018 online survey?
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Which religious groups in India are mentioned as not supporting Valentine's Day due to considering it cultural contamination from the West?
Which religious groups in India are mentioned as not supporting Valentine's Day due to considering it cultural contamination from the West?
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Why have Hindu traditionalists criticized Valentine's Day according to the text?
Why have Hindu traditionalists criticized Valentine's Day according to the text?
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According to postcolonial intellectuals from the Indian left, why is Valentine's Day strongly criticized?
According to postcolonial intellectuals from the Indian left, why is Valentine's Day strongly criticized?
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What do Shiv Sena and the Sangh Parivar advise their followers to do regarding Valentine's Day?
What do Shiv Sena and the Sangh Parivar advise their followers to do regarding Valentine's Day?
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How do critics from the Indian left argue that Valentine's Day negatively impacts working classes and rural poor?
How do critics from the Indian left argue that Valentine's Day negatively impacts working classes and rural poor?
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What is the connection between Lupercalia and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary according to some researchers?
What is the connection between Lupercalia and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary according to some researchers?
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Why did Jerusalem celebrate the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary on February 14 during Gelasius I's time?
Why did Jerusalem celebrate the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary on February 14 during Gelasius I's time?
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The Festival of Juno Februa was celebrated on which days?
The Festival of Juno Februa was celebrated on which days?
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What does theologian Bruce Forbes disagree with regarding Saint Valentine's Day and Lupercalia?
What does theologian Bruce Forbes disagree with regarding Saint Valentine's Day and Lupercalia?
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When did Lupercalia take place in Ancient Rome?
When did Lupercalia take place in Ancient Rome?
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What initiated the development of customs like sending greeting cards and presenting flowers on Valentine's Day?
What initiated the development of customs like sending greeting cards and presenting flowers on Valentine's Day?
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In which Asian countries is Valentine's Day widely celebrated?
In which Asian countries is Valentine's Day widely celebrated?
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What is Saint Valentine's Day known as in Costa Rica and Mexico?
What is Saint Valentine's Day known as in Costa Rica and Mexico?
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'Dia dos Namorados' is celebrated on what date in Brazil?
'Dia dos Namorados' is celebrated on what date in Brazil?
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Why is February 14 Valentine's Day not celebrated in Brazil?
Why is February 14 Valentine's Day not celebrated in Brazil?
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Which festival was connected to Pan and Juno in Ancient Rome?
Which festival was connected to Pan and Juno in Ancient Rome?
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Which country celebrates Valentine's Day as the Qixi Festival on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar?
Which country celebrates Valentine's Day as the Qixi Festival on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar?
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Who is known as the 'father of Valentine's Day in Bangladesh'?
Who is known as the 'father of Valentine's Day in Bangladesh'?
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In which country was Valentine's Day first celebrated by adorning Flower Street with innovative flower arrangements?
In which country was Valentine's Day first celebrated by adorning Flower Street with innovative flower arrangements?
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What is the festival called in China that celebrates the meeting of the Cowherd star and the Weaver Maid star across the Milky Way?
What is the festival called in China that celebrates the meeting of the Cowherd star and the Weaver Maid star across the Milky Way?
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Which country's Valentine's Day is associated with expressing love through poetry by budding poets like Ramin Mazhar and Mahtab Sahel?
Which country's Valentine's Day is associated with expressing love through poetry by budding poets like Ramin Mazhar and Mahtab Sahel?
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In Bangladesh, why do some people regard the celebration of Valentine's Day negatively?
In Bangladesh, why do some people regard the celebration of Valentine's Day negatively?
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Which country spends over $18.2 billion on Valentine's Day-related activities, averaging over $136 per person?
Which country spends over $18.2 billion on Valentine's Day-related activities, averaging over $136 per person?
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What tradition from ancient India is exemplified by erotic carvings in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments?
What tradition from ancient India is exemplified by erotic carvings in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments?
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What did a survey by the National Retail Federation in 2019 reveal about Valentine's Day celebrations in the United States?
What did a survey by the National Retail Federation in 2019 reveal about Valentine's Day celebrations in the United States?
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What event allowed the Cowherd star and Weaver Maid star to meet on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar during the Qixi Festival?
What event allowed the Cowherd star and Weaver Maid star to meet on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Chinese calendar during the Qixi Festival?
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How did Valentine's Day celebrations spread in India around 1992?
How did Valentine's Day celebrations spread in India around 1992?
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Why was there a period of repression of public displays of affection in ancient India?
Why was there a period of repression of public displays of affection in ancient India?
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Study Notes
Saint Valentine's Day and Its Traditions
- Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Roman Catholic Church.
- The association of Valentine's Day with romantic love originated in the 14th and 15th centuries, influenced by courtly love traditions.
- The symbol of the heart, associated with Valentine's Day, can be traced back to an 8th-century record.
- In Italy, Saint Valentine’s keys symbolize a lover’s commitment and are given to lovers.
Historical Development
- Esther Howland is credited with producing and selling the first mass-produced Valentine's cards in the United States.
- The introduction of the penny post in the 1840s significantly increased the volume of Valentines sent in the U.S.
- The popularity of Valentine cards in early 19th century England led to the rise of commercial card printing and influencing societal norms regarding romance.
Literary Influences
- Geoffrey Chaucer drew from the legend of birds mating on St. Valentine’s Day for his work "Parliament of Fowls."
- Chaucer's mention of a tradition may not be accurate, raising questions about its historical origin.
- John Gower is an author likely predating other poets in writing on birds' mating linked to Valentine's Day.
Saint Valentine and His Legacy
- Saint Valentine of Rome was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers against imperial law.
- Emperor Claudius II prohibited marriages for soldiers, prompting Valentine to conduct secret weddings.
- Tradition suggests Valentine engraved a message of love on a purple amethyst ring and cut parchment to remind Christians of their vows.
Modern Celebrations
- The expression "From your Valentine" originated in the 19th century.
- The sentiment behind Valentine's Day gifts has broadened to include cards, flowers, chocolates, and other items.
- The estimated number of valentines sent annually in the U.S. is around 145 million.
Valentine's Day in India
- Hindu traditionalists criticize Valentine's Day as cultural contamination from the West, leading to organized opposition by groups like Shiv Sena and Sangh Parivar.
- Critics from the Indian left argue it negatively impacts economically disadvantaged groups and promotes consumerism.
- Valentine's Day in parts of India has led to discussions about public displays of affection and expressions of love.
Global Celebrations and Variations
- Valentine's Day is acknowledged in various Asian countries, and in Costa Rica and Mexico, it is known as "Día del Amor y la Amistad."
- Brazil celebrates "Dia dos Namorados" on June 12, not February 14, due to different cultural traditions.
- The Qixi Festival in China celebrates the Cowherd and Weaver Maid star meeting, representing love and dedication.
Final Notes on Valentine’s Day
- Saint Valentine is associated with various miracles and is believed to have healed the blind daughter of his jailer.
- The flower-crowned skull relic of Saint Valentine is housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome.
- The tradition of sending love notes on Valentine's Day traces back to a confluence of customs from Ancient Rome's Lupercalia and other local celebrations, evolving into modern practices.
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Description
Learn about how different countries celebrate Valentine's Day, from Colombia's Día del amor y la amistad to the United States' tradition of sending millions of cards each year. Explore unique customs and practices from various cultures.
