Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. It is shrouded in legends and mysteries, and no wonder, because the history of this holiday and even the personality of Saint Valentine himself have always been surrounded by mystery and controversy.
The origins of Valentine's Day
One version of the origins of the holiday says that it has its roots in the harsh days of the Roman Emperor Claudius the Second. In those days, the empire was involved in numerous bloody wars, for which the people had no particular love. Claudius the Cruel was unable to recruit soldiers for his legions. And he was sure: the reason was that men did not want to leave their lovers and households. As a result, Claudius forbade all betrothal and marriage in Rome.
At that moment the Christian priest Valentine stood up to defend love. He began to conduct marriages secretly, contrary to the emperor's prohibition. When Claudius was informed of this violation of the decree, Valentine was seized and locked up, where he spent the rest of his days until his death on February 14!
The feast of St. Valentine, like Christmas, combines pagan rituals with Christian traditions. When the Romans conquered the British Isles, they brought with them the idea of this holiday, and the ancient Britons adopted it from them.

Nowadays, it is customary to send anonymous "valentines," so to speak, from a "secret admirer.
But the most common gift still remains flowers. A million scarlet roses or a single one is a perfect gift for Valentine's Day.
The number of roses in a bouquet has a special meaning:

- 1 rose means love.

- 15 roses mean gratitude

- 27 roses mean congratulations
- 51 roses mean selfless love.
These days scarlet roses stand for passionate love, pink roses for friendship, white roses for purity and red and white roses in a bouquet represent the union of two hearts.
On Valentine's Day ladies themselves often send men messages telling them about their ardent and unfading love. And if this is a leap year, on this day, the tradition allows women to propose to the man they love. Men, beware!