Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada in much the same way as it is in other parts of the world. It is a popular holiday for expressing love and affection to romantic partners, and people often exchange cards, flowers, chocolates and gifts.
Some popular gifts include jewelry, flowers, and candy. Restaurants and hotels often have special deals and packages for couples to celebrate the holiday. Many people also choose to spend the day with their loved ones, often going out for a romantic dinner or a special outing. Some people also choose to volunteer their time and do something nice for others on Valentine’s Day as well.
What do people do?
People in Canada celebrate Valentine’s Day in various ways, depending on their personal preferences and traditions. Some common activities include:
- Exchanging cards, gifts, and flowers with romantic partners
- Going out for a romantic dinner or special outing with a partner
- Sending flowers or gifts to loved ones who live far away
- Spending time with friends and family, often with a special meal or gathering
- Volunteering their time to help others, such as by visiting a nursing home or hospital
- Giving special treats or gifts to children, such as Valentine’s Day-themed crafts or treats
Some people may also choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a more low-key way, such as by watching a romantic movie or enjoying a relaxing day at home.
Public life
Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday in Canada, so most businesses and organizations remain open as usual. Public transportation operates on regular schedules, and there are no restrictions on travel. However, some restaurants and other businesses may have special hours or deals to accommodate those celebrating the holiday.
It’s worth noting that Valentine’s day is not as widely celebrated in Canada as it is in some other parts of the world. The holiday is more popular among young adults, and older adults tend to celebrate less. Some people may choose to celebrate the holiday with their friends or family members, rather than a romantic partner.
Background
The origins of Valentine’s Day are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been influenced by a Christian martyr named Saint Valentine and by ancient Roman festivals such as Lupercalia.
Saint Valentine was a Catholic priest who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to legend, he performed secret marriages for young couples during a time when the Roman Emperor Claudius II had banned marriages to ensure that soldiers would be available for his army. Saint Valentine was eventually discovered and put to death for his actions. He is remembered on February 14th, the day of his execution, as the patron saint of lovers.
Lupercalia was an ancient Roman festival that was celebrated in mid-February. The festival was associated with fertility and included rituals such as the sacrifice of goats and the whipping of women with the hides of the goats to promote fertility.
Valentine’s Day as we know it today, a day to express love and affection to romantic partners, first became popular in the Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love was in vogue. The first Valentine’s Day letter was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that Valentine’s Day became more commercialized and began to resemble the holiday we know today.
Symbols
Valentine’s Day is associated with a variety of symbols, many of which are used to express love and affection to romantic partners. Some of the most common symbols associated with the holiday include:
- Hearts: The heart is a universal symbol of love, and is often used to decorate Valentine’s Day cards, gifts, and decorations.
- Cupid: Cupid is the Roman god of love, often depicted as a winged, chubby baby with a bow and arrow. He is said to inspire love and desire in people.
- Roses: Roses are a traditional symbol of love and are often given as gifts on Valentine’s Day. Red roses are typically associated with romantic love, while pink roses are associated with friendship and admiration.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is a popular gift on Valentine’s Day and is often given as a symbol of love and affection.
- Rings: Rings are often given as gifts on Valentine’s Day, and they can symbolize many things such as engagement, marriage or love.
- Love letters: In ancient times love letters were a popular way to express one’s feelings to a romantic partner, and this tradition still continues today.
Valentine’s day symbols will vary from country to country but these are the most common symbol that are widely recognized and used.
