1. VALENTINE'S DAY 14th February Candy, flowers, and chocolates Who is St Valentine? Roots in Christian and Roman tradition

2. LEGEND 1 Valentine was a priest 3rd cent., Rome Caesar wanted all young men to be soldiers Valentine disagreed and secretly performed marriages Valentine was killed

3. LEGEND 2 Valentine was a prisoner He sent the 1st Valentine’s letter Signature was: ‘FROM YOUR VALENTINE’’ We cannot know which legend is true

4. WHY 14TH FEBRUARY? In memory of Valentine's death Pagan festival The beginning of spring

5. GREAT BRITAIN 17th century All social classes Giving each other gifts or notes The end of the 18th century - printed cards

6. AMERICA The middle of the 19th cent – Valentine cards Today - 1 billion Valentine cards Valentine’s Day = the 2nd largest card sending holiday

7. WHERE IS VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATED? Canada Mexico Australia Becoming popular around Europe

8. The oldest card is in British Museum, London ½ of the Americans buy Valentine cards

9. SLOVENIA Valentine’s Day is a new thing GREGORJEVO - 12th March The beginning of spring ‘Birds get married on GREGORJEVO

10. Not all celebrate Some buy small gifts Gifts for everyone they find special Flowers, chocolates, cards, soft toys…

11. DO YOU CELEBRATE? Invented by florists? You decide for yourself if you want to celebrate NOT THE ONLY DAY YOU SHOW YOUR LOVED ONES THAT YOU CARE ABOUT THEM!