10 Frequently asked questions about Valentine’s Day answered

It's less than ten days to Valentine's Day and it might not be too early to start celebrating for V-day lovers. Even if you're having trouble getting into the spirit, whether you're single or for your partner's sake, some of these answers might help.

Read on to come to speed with the day of love, and don't miss 4 romantic ideas to try now for a memorable Valentine's Day.

1. What is the history of Valentine’s Day?

On that fateful day February 14, 270 AD, St. Valentine's secret was uncovered and he was brutally executed.

During the third century, Emperor Claudius II was grappling with the Empire Crisis when he got the idea to ban young men from getting married. He outlawed marriage for young men believing that unmarried men made better soldiers than those with families and wives.

St. Valentine, who was also a priest, felt that this law was unfair and defied it by secretly marrying young Christians until he was killed.

2. Was there just one Saint Valentine?

Going by the answer above yes. However, this is the third century we are talking about so since that time and now, nothing can be conclusive.

That being said, it is said that when St. Valentine was in prison, he would write letters to his lover. Whether this is the same Valentine or different ones, remains a mystery.

3. How did it become the festival of love we call Valentine’s Day?

Two ideas converged into this celebration.

It is believed to have been a way to Christianise a pagan festival that was known as Lupercalia which was celebrated on February 15. Lupercalia was an extremist celebration with sexist and violent themes connected to fertility and health. Men would sacrifice animals and use them to beat women, who would gladly take the abuse because they believed it would help them in becoming fertile.

Pope Gelasius then declared 14 as the day to celebrate love with greetings and pleasantries and St. Valentine's service to humanity.

In the middle ages, people in England and France associated it with love because February 14 marks the start of bird's mating season.

4. What is the purpose of Valentine’s Day?

To celebrate all forms of love and express it under a theme through gifts, spending meaningful time together, enjoy each other's company with fun activities.

Couples around the world look forward to putting effort to make their partner feel special.

5. What is Valentine’s week and what does each day mean?

There's a week-long prelude to Valentine's Day for those who feel like a day is not enough. Starting February 7 to Valentine's Day, each day of that week has a special custom that lets you celebrate love in different ways.

February 7 - Rose Day
February 8 - Propose Day
February 9 - Chocolate Day
February 10 - Teddy Day
February 11 - Promise Day
February 12 - Hug Day
February 13 - Kiss Day

6. What is a Propose Day?

It is celebrated on February 8. It's the day to get your date or get down on one knee to propose if you want to take your relationship to the next level. For married couples, this is a great time to propose again and repeat your vows.

7. Is Valentine’s Day meant to be celebrated between couples only?

No. Couples are usually the most excited to celebrate V-day but it is open to everyone. It is a celebration of all love, family, friends, and other significant people in your life.

8. How do I celebrate Valentine’s Day when I am single?

There's no need to feel left out. You can either treat yourself, celebrate with fellow single people, or someone else you love.

9. What are the best Valentine’s Day memes?

While couples are lost in the day's celebrations, what do single people do? Create memes to make themselves feel better or make fun of couples. You can find memes on social media before, during, and after Valentine's Day. Here's one of the best.

Valentine’s Day memes Pulse

10. What is a cool and cheap Valentine’s Day gift for my girlfriend?

Couples share gifts and exchange presents, but men tend to feel this pressure more than the ladies. To pick out a cheap but meaningful gift, you have to know what your partner loves, her interests, and things she has mentioned before. It can be cheap monetary-wise but still hold significance to her. An activity can also be a gift and she will appreciate the effort. Play into your strengths and her needs or desires.