WORKSHEET A2-B1
THE STORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY
Part 1. Warm-up
- How do people celebrate Valentine’s Day in your country?
- Do you think Valentine’s Day is romantic or too commercial? Why?
- Have you ever received or sent a Valentine’s card?
Part 2. Vocabulary focus
Part 3. Reading – The Story of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14th in many countries around the world. Today, people give flowers, chocolates, small gifts, and cards to someone they love. Many couples go out for dinner, and restaurants are preparing special menus. Shops are selling red decorations, and people are buying heart-shaped balloons. At the moment, millions of people are planning romantic evenings or writing messages to friends and partners.
However, the history of Valentine’s Day began many centuries ago in Ancient Rome.
In the third century, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Claudius II. At that time, Rome was fighting many wars. Claudius believed that single men were better soldiers because they did not have families to worry about. For this reason, he decided that young men could not get married. Many couples were upset because they wanted to start families.
There was a Christian priest named Valentine who did not agree with the emperor’s decision. He believed that marriage was important and that people should be free to love each other. While the emperor was trying to build a stronger army, Valentine was secretly organizing weddings for young couples. He was performing marriage ceremonies at night so that nobody would see him.
One evening, while Valentine was marrying a couple in secret, Roman soldiers suddenly entered the room. They arrested him and took him to prison. At that time, many Christians were being punished for their beliefs.
While Valentine was sitting in prison, he met the prison guard’s daughter. According to one popular legend, she was kind and visited him often. They were talking and spending time together while he was waiting for his trial. Some stories say that she was blind and that Valentine prayed for her. One day, her sight returned. Many people believed that this was a miracle.
Before his execution, Valentine wrote her a short letter. He signed it “From your Valentine.” This happened around the year 269 AD. After his death, people began to remember him as Saint Valentine. Over time, different stories about him appeared, and it is difficult to know exactly what is true. Historians agree that a man named Valentine probably existed, but the details of his life are not completely clear.
In the Middle Ages, people in Europe were celebrating February 14th as a special day connected with love. At that time, many believed that birds were choosing their partners in mid-February. Because of this idea, the date became linked to romance.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Valentine’s Day was becoming more popular in England and later in the United States. People were sending handmade cards with poems and romantic messages. As printing technology improved, companies began producing cards in large numbers. Soon, Valentine’s cards were being sold in shops.
Today, Valentine’s Day looks different in different countries. In some places, only romantic couples celebrate it. In others, friends and family members also exchange cards and small gifts. In Japan, for example, women usually give chocolates to men on February 14th. Then, one month later, on March 14th, men are returning the favor.
Right now, social media is playing an important role in how people celebrate Valentine’s Day. Many are posting photos, sharing romantic messages, or sending digital cards. Some people love the holiday, while others think it is too commercial. Businesses are earning millions of dollars each year because people are buying flowers, jewelry, and expensive dinners.
Although the way people celebrate is changing, the main idea remains the same. Valentine’s Day is about expressing love, appreciation, and connection. Whether someone is giving a simple card or planning a special evening, the message is clear: relationships matter.
Even today, historians are still discussing the true story of Saint Valentine. While researchers are studying historical documents, people around the world are continuing to celebrate the tradition that started nearly 1,800 years ago.