ESL Lesson:
St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a holiday dedicated to the expression of love and affection. It is named after St. Valentine, a Christian martyr from the Roman era, whose life and acts are shrouded in mystery. Over the centuries, the day has evolved from its religious origins to become a secular celebration of romance. People around the world mark this day by exchanging cards, gifts, and flowers with their loved ones, making it a special occasion to show appreciation and care.
Vocabulary
ancient – very old
bow and arrow – used for shooting (like the picture on the left)
shoot – make something fly through the air (Shoot a gun. Shoot an arrow.)
character – a person (but usually not real) like a person in a book or in a movie
fall in love – begin to love another person
celebrate – do something fun (like a party or something special)
romantic – something that shows the feeling of love
Reading
Valentine’s Day is a very old holiday. It goes back to the times of Ancient Rome. One of the characters we often see on Valentine’s Day is Cupid. He was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. He shoots people with arrows of love. When a man and a woman are hit by his arrows, they will fall in love.
Today people celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14. Men and women who are in love give each other gifts. The most popular gifts include flowers (especially roses) and chocolates. Couples may also go to a restaurant for a very nice dinner or plan something else romantic.
In the United States, Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers. Children make special Valentine’s cards for their classmates. Families and friends may give candy or other small gifts to each other. It can be a fun day.
Practice Quiz on St. Valentine’s Day
As part of our exploration of St. Valentine’s Day, here is a brief quiz to test your knowledge. This quiz includes five questions that cover the history, traditions, and global variations of Valentine’s Day. It’s a great way to engage with the material and see what you have learned so far.
Questions and Answers
1. Who is Cupid’s mother?
a. Sarah, goddess of love
b. Venus, goddess of music
c. Venus, goddess of love
2. What does Cupid use to shoot people?
a. a gun
b. a bow and arrow
c. a baseball
3. What day is Valentine’s Day celebrated?
a. February 13.
b. December 25
c. February 14
4. What are the most popular flowers for Valentine’s Day?
a. Roses
b. Tulips
c. Sunflowers
5. What do school children in the United States do on Valentine’s Day?
a. Kiss their friends
b. Make cards for their friends
c. Have a romantic dinner with their friends
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Valentine’s Day
St. Valentine, the namesake of the holiday, was a priest in Rome during the 3rd century. While not much is known about his life, legend suggests he was martyred for secretly performing weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry.
The association of Valentine’s Day with love and romance began in the Middle Ages, influenced by the belief that birds started their mating season on February 14th. This led to the day being linked with romance and affection.
Celebrations of St. Valentine’s Day vary globally, but commonly include exchanging gifts like flowers, chocolates, and cards, known as “valentines”. Many also celebrate by enjoying romantic dinners or special outings with their partners.
Popular gifts include red roses, which symbolize love and passion, chocolates, and jewelry. Handwritten notes or cards expressing love and affection remain enduringly popular as well.
While St. Valentine’s Day is widely recognized and celebrated in many countries around the world, it is not a public holiday in most places. Its observance can vary greatly, with some cultures adopting their own traditions or celebrating love on different days.
Answer Key:
- C. Venus, goddess of love
- B. a bow and arrow
- C. February 14
- A. Roses
- B. Make cards for their friends