The event took a gruesome path to becoming a romantic holiday. Introduction On Feb. 14, sweethearts of all ages will exchange cards, flowers, candy, and more lavish gifts in the name of St. Valentine. But as a historian of Christianity, I can tell you that at the root of our modern holiday is a beautiful[…]
The holiday’s commercialization has spoiled the day for many. Introduction Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the origins of this festival of candy and cupids are actually dark, bloody — and a bit muddled. Though no one has pinpointed the exact origin of the holiday, one good[…]
The effects of marketing, consumerism, and social media on the holiday’s evolution and the fiction about love’s golden age. By Dr. Elizabeth NelsonAssociate Professor of HistoryUniversity of Las Vegas Introduction Pets, spouses, co-workers, friends, classmates: They’re all in line to be on the receiving end of another record year for Valentine’s Day spending, says a[…]