It would seem, what could be simpler than a valentine - a greeting card in honor of St. Valentine, the heavenly patron saint of all lovers? But don't jump to conclusions. In the Middle Ages, talented craftsmen, calligraphers and court jewelers worked tirelessly to create real masterpieces of art - books and songbooks in the shape of a heart, which were designed to delight the hearts of Beautiful Ladies - beloved kings and dignified persons of that time. Here are just some of the masterpieces that have survived to our time ...

Blair's Book of Hours is a collection of prayers created in 1053 by the master Nicolas Blair. The heart in the Middle Ages was considered a symbol of Christ's divine love for humanity, a sign of his self-sacrifice.

In turn, the open Holy Scripture in the shape of a heart symbolized that the heart of a person praying is always open to God. It took many centuries for the symbol of the heart to acquire a secular meaning, becoming an international sign of all lovers.

Book of Hours. Unknown French master of the 15th century.

"Heart Book" of the Danish king. This songbook, which contains the lyrics of 83 love ballads, was created in the early 1550s for the Danish king Christian III.

On one of the pages of the "Heart Book" of the Danish king, one of the readers of the book (perhaps the king himself?) Wrote his wish: "May the Lord end my torment and bring them to a good and happy end, amen!"

The Prayer Book of Princess Anne Another Danish heart-shaped book is the book of Princess Anne, daughter of Christian III. The book was created in 1580, five years before Anna's death from the plague. the wonderful leather binding with gold ornaments was made by the jeweler Kaspar Moiser.

Anna was interested in knowledge, was fond of medicine and herbal medicine, collected excellent illustrated books.

"Songbook of Jean de Montcheneu" is the most famous "heart" manuscript-songbook in history, created in 1475 by the master Jean de Montcheneu especially for Matteo Bandello, bishop of the French city of Agen in Aquitaine.

By the way, Bishop Bandello was a very prominent figure of the early Renaissance: he collected poetry and songs, and wrote short stories himself (and Shakespeare himself borrowed the plot of his short story about teenagers in love from the Italian city of Verona for his tragedy).

In the songbook, Bishop Bandello collected works of outstanding composers of that era - Dufay, Oquegem, and others. To whom this book was presented by Bishop Agen - these details have remained a mystery to history.

"An unknown young man praying to Saint Gudula." Saint Gudula is the heavenly patroness of Brussels, famous for her piety in the 8th century (this painting by an unknown artist dates back to the 15th century). Pay attention to the "heart" book of hours in the hands of a young man.

The oldest "valentine" that has survived to this day was written in 1415. It came from the pen of Charles, Duke of Orleans, and is now kept in the British Museum. Everyone can look at it: a pretty greasy piece of paper with a few scrawled words - a love letter from the duke to his wife.

Such an unpresentable view is easy to explain: the Duke wrote a note from the Tower, the most famous British prison. And the main thing in this message is not the form, but the content ...

Later, love messages for February 14 began to be adorned in every possible way by lovers, and even later they were made for sale.
At first it was completely handmade: craftswomen pasted ribbons, lace, pearls, drew cupids and hearts, and called love poems. These valentines were very expensive, but sold out with a bang.

Victorian postcards before Valentine's Day were even ordered from Australia: valentines were brought there by ships from England.

In the second half of the 19th century, industrial production of Valentine's Day cards began. At first, these were black and white photographs and hand-painted pictures.
Then they learned to print color cards. Images of children and cupids were very popular:

St. Valentine's day comes on February 14. It is widely celebrated among people of all ages. Valentine's Day is a time when people in love express their feelings to those whom they love or adore... Some people give greeting cards, flowers, chocolates, perfumes or jewelry to their admirers or partners while others take their loved ones for a romantic dinner at a restaurant or even propose to get married.

Valentine's Day cards are the most popular gifts. They can be ready-made or hand-made... Also Valentine's cards can be pink or red-colored and some of them can be heart-shaped. Some valentines are very fancy; they are decorated with ribbons, paper lace and images of cupids... A card can be different; it can be sentimental with love poetry, friendly or satirical.

The origins of this day are not clear. Some sources believe that it stems from the story of St Valentine, a Roman priest who was executed on February 14, around 269 C.E. According to one legend, Valentine served as a priest during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he forbade marriage for young men. Valentine disobeyed the order of Emperor Claudius II and secretly married young couples anyway... When Valentine’s actions were discovered, he was sentenced to death. In prison he fell in love with his jailer’S daughter who visited him during his confinement... Just before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From Your Valentine”.

Today, St. Valentine is the Patron saint of love, young people, happy marriages and the holiday was named after him. St. Valentine's Day is a good day for parties. The restaurants and clubs are decorated with red and pink paper hearts. Chocolate, candies and cookies are often cut in the shape of hearts.

Text translation St. Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th. It is widely celebrated by people of all ages. Valentine's Day is a time when lovers express their feelings to those they love or adore. Some people give their fans or partners greeting cards, flowers, chocolates, perfume or jewelry, while others invite their lovers to a restaurant for a romantic dinner or even propose to get married.

Valentines are the most popular gifts. They can be ready-made or do-it-yourself. Also, valentines can be pink or red, and some of them can be heart-shaped. Some valentines are very unusual; they are decorated with ribbons, paper lace and cupid designs. The postcard can be different; she can be sentimental with love poems, friendly or satirical.

The origins of this day are not clear. Some sources believe this is related to the story of Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who was executed on February 14, around 269 AD. According to one legend, Valentine served as a priest in the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men were better soldiers than those with wives and families, he forbade young men to marry. Valentine disobeyed the order of Emperor Claudius II and still secretly married young couples. When Valentine's actions were revealed, he was sentenced to death. In prison, he fell in love with the daughter of his jailer, who came to him during his imprisonment. Shortly before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed "From your Valentine."

Today Saint Valentine is the patron saint of love, youth, happy marriages, and the holiday was named after him. Valentine's Day is a good day for parties. Restaurants and clubs are decorated with red and pink paper hearts. Chocolates, candies, and cookies are often cut in the shape of a heart.

Additional expressions

• St. Valentine's day- Valentine's Day
• to express feeling- express feeling
• to adore- adore, worship
• jewelry(or jewelery) - jewelry, jewelry
• admirer- admirer, cavalier
• to get married- get married, get married, get married
• Valentine's Day card- valentine
• valentines- valentines
• ready-made- ready-made, standard
• hand-made- handmade
• ribbon- ribbon
• paper lace- paper lace
• cupid- cupid, cupid
• C.E.- year of our era
• priest- a priest
• anyway- does not matter
• jailer- jailer, warden
• confinement- imprisonment
• Patron saint- patron saint, patron

Valentine's Day has become a truly international holiday, which has long been celebrated not only in English-speaking countries. Everyone brings something from themselves to this holiday: new traditions, unusual ways to congratulate and please loved ones. Take a new English lesson on Valentine's Day, discover how the day is celebrated around the world, and take note of ways to please your loved one today and other days of the year!

Happy Valentine "s Day!

About the festival

Legends / Legends

Japan / Japan

Great Britain / UK

Australia / Australia

Finland / Finland

France / France

Vocabulary

Questions / Questions

1. Who celebrates Valentine's Day?
2. What are the symbols of Valentine "s Day?
3. What do people exchange on Valentine "s Day?
4. How do couples usually celebrate Valentine's Day?
5. Who is Cupid?
6. Who is Valentinus?
7. Why was Valentinus put in jail?
8. Why didn "t Emperor Claudius want young men to marry?
9. How did Valentinus help the jailer "s daughter?
10. What was the first valentine card?
11. What is Lupercalia?
12. How do people celebrate Valentine’s Day in Japan?
13. What Australian story is connected with Valentine's Day?
14. What country celebrates Friendship Day?
15. How do people celebrate Valentine's Day in Britain and in France?

Quotes

Poems

Valentines so bright and gay,
I "ll be sending out today,
With the message, "I love you;"
Hoping that you love me, too!

Sing a song of snowflakes,
Secrets in the air,
Valentines are coming,
Hiding everywhere.
Some are red and
Some are pink and
Some are soft and blue,
Some are in the mailbox
On their way to you.

"Among the winter" s chilly days
Comes one in February,
When young and old send valentines
To make each other merry.

When Valentine "s Day comes around,
I "ll run right out to see-eee,
If any one of you has left
A valentine for me!

Gifts

1 An important wardrobe item

Gifts for a man are easier to make than for girls, because style and practicality are important for the stronger sex. For a connoisseur of their time, a new-fashioned watch with many functions is suitable. They are equipped with all the gadgets a real man needs: a stopwatch, three dials with an indicator, a polished case and mineral glass, and even waterproof!

2 To those who take care of themselves

If you want to give your man a useful gift that will definitely not lie idle, then a razor is the best choice. Unless your spouse grows a beard like a Viking! But most men still prefer to remove excess hair from their face, so a quality shaving kit is a must! You can add more foam or gel to it for a comfortable shave.

3 The cure for sadness

Not all girls love soft toys, but there is still a way out of this situation. Practical ladies who do not like dust collectors at home can be presented with such a charming anti-stress pillow. It is difficult to refuse such a gift - it is cute, useful and magically helps to relieve stress perfectly! This is the perfect choice to give your soul mate a good mood for the whole day.

4 For warmth and comfort

This gift is just perfect for any girl! A cozy plaid + mug set is a great option for cold February evenings in front of the TV, just like in romantic melodramas. This surprise will automatically make a man a caring, gentle and empathetic life partner who worries about the comfort of his beloved.

5 Important details

If a couple lives together, you can make a luxurious gift that is suitable for two at once. It's trite, but this is a bedding set! Of course, we are not talking about cozy family sets with calm patterns. You need to give a passionate red, exciting set, which will not only decorate your bedroom, but also awaken secret desires.

6 Games for two only

In order to diversify your romantic relationship, you can give In Love a play set for lovers. This addicting game is for two only and will set anyone in a playful mood. An excellent choice for February 14th - the game will help you spend an evening together and get to know each other better. Moreover, the game is suitable both for couples in love and for spouses who have been together for more than one year!

Tips to celebrate St. Valentine "s Day

1. Give your lover a dozen of roses and do it with a creative twist.
2. Give eleven red roses and one white rose. Attach a note that reads: "In every bunch there" s one who stands out and you are that one. "
3. Write him a little love note. Insert it into the book he "s reading.
4. Record mix CDs. It can be your favorite songs as a couple or some personal favorites.
5. Make a photo album or a scrapbook. It can be a book of memories or your favorite pictures and reminders of your relationship.
6. Make a Homemade Valentine card instead of buying one. Use different items to do this.
7. No time or too lazy to wrap those gifts? Buy fancy bags and pre-decorated boxes for presents.

Learn more about the legends, traditions and interesting facts of Valentine's Day, how to have fun celebrating the holiday and what to give to loved ones.

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... I wonder how did the first valentine come about? And what were the valentines like before? Let's try to look into history to answer this question.

European Valentine Story

The holiday of all lovers is more than sixteen centuries old. And his main "culprit" was the priest Valentin, who lived in the city of Terni in 269. At that time, Claudius II ruled the Roman Empire, who always lacked bachelor soldiers to replenish the legions. The emperor was firmly convinced that married soldiers fought badly, so he issued a decree prohibiting legionnaires from marrying. Apparently, Valentine was an incorrigible romantic, for he disobeyed the emperor and secretly married the soldiers with their beloved. Upon learning of this, Claudius became angry and sentenced the priest to death.

This is where one of the first versions of the history of the appearance of a Valentine begins. Sitting in a dungeon awaiting execution, Valentine fell in love with the warden's daughter. The girl was blind from birth. Valentine managed to heal her ailment. His beloved received her sight. The day before the execution, Valentin wrote a touching letter to the girl, in which he confessed his feelings to her and said goodbye forever. The message ended with the words "From your Valentine" - "Your Valentine". This letter was read only after the execution of the priest. Valentine was subsequently canonized as a Christian martyr who suffered for the faith. It happened on February 14, 496. Since then, Valentine's Day has become a holiday for all lovers.

There is another legend that says that the Duke of Orleans became the first creator of valentines in 1415. But then they were called love poetic messages. The Duke Charles, imprisoned in the Tower, sent romantic love letters to his wife, who was then in France.

Well, the third version, associated with the history of the Valentine, is documented. The Valentine's card, dated 1477, was bought by the British library from a family back in the thirties, then this historical document was gathering dust in the archive for a long time. Recently, that ancient valentine was discovered by a young librarian. In it, a young British girl wrote an ardent message to her lover, in which she demanded proof of a reciprocal feeling and desire to marry her. In the letter, the girl even promised the guy that she would get a significant increase in her dowry from her mother, if only the union of the beloved couple took place. Whether the young man was so mercantile that he did not want to marry a girl with a small dowry, whether he loved the young lady, and how this story ended in general, is unknown.

It's hard to say which version is the most reliable, I like all three. Be that as it may, valentines were not created for nothing.

How valentines were made

In the fifteenth century, valentines were depicted in the form of drawings, which were necessarily attended by knights, beautiful ladies and cupids with arrows piercing brave knightly hearts.

In the seventeenth century, everyone tried to make their own, unique valentine, where poems about love and unearthly passion were inscribed.

By the middle of the 18th century, the almanac "Poor Robin" published poems, the essence of which reveals the attitude of the British to the holiday of all lovers: when the sun enters the constellation of Pisces, Valentine's Day is expected. At this time, the guy gives the girl he likes a pair of gloves. The gift must be accompanied by an ardent kiss. If a girl answers that she is not against marriage, but she needs to consult with her mother, then she likes the guy.

By the early nineteenth century, the first, still rather primitive, commercial valentines began to appear. Only by the forties did love letters become exquisite, made of very expensive paper, decorated with satin, lace, ribbons. At the same time, mechanical valentines appeared, in the form of moving figures on postcards, that is, the first three-dimensional images of passionate feelings.

The advent of the American valentine

The American history of Valentine's cards began after 1723. This is due to the fact that from England began to deliver to the United States a large number of booklets with messages and poems dedicated to lovers. Lovers began to rewrite such messages on sheets of paper with gold trimmings. Valentines began to decorate less, because the main thing was hidden in the content of the postcard.

In the nineteenth century, the American artist Charles Howard began to paint the so-called "cheap boulevard" - "penny dreadfuls" on valentines. These were comic postcards with horrifying designs and sold for mere pennies.

The first valentines made in the United States were designed in the 1930s by the daughter of a Worcestershire bookseller, Esther Howland. The then student went to England, brought back lace, fine paper and became the author and manufacturer of her own valentines, which were an absolute commercial success.

Modern valentines

Modern valentines, having come a long way from sentimentality to the avant-garde, have become a necessary addition to gifts presented for Valentine's Day. And they can be on a wide variety of media.

The exquisite lace valentine cookies created by your girlfriend will impress any guy.

Puff pastry valentines filled with raspberries will be a unique addition to a romantic dinner.

And who would refuse to have breakfast like this valentine? And which of the men on Valentine's Day will be able to reproach his wife with the words: "Scrambled eggs again"? After all, this work of art is a morning gastronomic confirmation of a declaration of love.

Moreover, if your beloved serves breakfast in "crystal" shoes ...

... or in a valentine t-shirt, then even without further ado, it will become clear to a man: Valentine's Day has come, it's time to confess the sincerity of feelings.

The funniest valentines

Valentines can be not only delicious, but also very interesting, funny, amusing.

Valentine kittens in love are an amazing living decoration of the house. And piglets know how to love in their own way perfectly.

Just imagine the picture: early morning. Your beloved goes out to the balcony and sees a valentine pool that you built during the night? Do you need any additional declarations of love?

After all, even a stump on that bright day can tell a lot about romantic feelings that occurred back in those distant times, when he was a young tree.

Valentines can be very diverse. The most important thing about valentines is that they are the most effective way for lovers to tell about their feelings for the first time, to confess their love in an unusually beautiful poetical and romantic form. Don't forget to congratulate your loved ones on Valentine's Day!

Lupercus or Faun - god of the fields, protector of the herds

Valentine's Day, valentines ... Valentine's Day... Everyone knows about Saint Valentine, who helped the lovers to unite, secretly married them. However, few people know that this day became special back in the 5th century AD and this holiday originated in Rome.

It was then that the Catholic Church decided to fight the widespread pagan rites and used the martyrdom of one of its saints for this.

But let's start over. Already from the middle of the 4th century BC in the Roman Empire, there was a custom dedicated to the pagan god Lupercus (or Faun). This is the god of lust, half man, half goat. The 14th of February in honor of this god, young people participated in an annual ceremony.

The names of young girls were dropped into the box, and then the young people pulled them out, thus defining a partner for themselves for joint pleasures for the entire year. The next year, everything happened again. The Christian Church has decided to end this 800-year-old tradition. The clergy chose the saint to patronize the lovers, replacing the god Lupercos. The choice fell on Bishop Valentine, who had been tortured to death about 200 years earlier. Then in 270 AD in the same Rome, Valentine angered Emperor Cladius II by secretly crowning lovers. Cladius also forbade marriage, because when the Romans got married they became bad soldiers. And so, at the behest of the emperor, on February 24, 270 AD, Valentine was stoned and then beheaded.

And in 496, Pope Gelasius declared illegal a holiday in honor of the pagan god Lupercos, and instead introduced Valentine's Day, named after St. Valentine. From that time on, he became the spiritual patron of all lovers.

Love Quotes (in English with translation) - Love Quotes:

If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they don’t, they never were. (Kahlil Gibran)

You don’t love a woman because she is beautiful, but she is beautiful because you love her. (Anonymous)

Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense. (Mark Overby)

If you judge people, you have no time to love them. (Mother Teresa)

Happiness is the China shop; love is the bull. (H.L. Mencken)

Valentines cards (in English):

Simple Valentine:
To you with love from me.

Special Valentine:
Here is a special valentine
with lots of love for you.
And since you are very special
Here are kisses, too.

Valentine's card for the year:
Not only when it's St. Valentine's day
But always, all year through
You are thought about with words of love
and wished much gladness, too!

Ironic Valentine:
Here is the key to my heart
Use it before I change the lock.

Valentine from the Beatles:
Love, love me do
You know I love you
I'll always be true
So please, love me do.