Valentine’s Day is widely recognised as a day of love an affection, particularly amongst lovers or love admirers. Affection is often expressed with greetings, cards, gifts and dedicated time together over dinner, at the cinema or another mutually enjoyed event.

For some people, Valentine’s Day can be a sombre occasion, especially for single people. However, at Optimal Vitality, we encourage everyone to enjoy this annual event, which should be celebrated by everyone, including singles. Remember to express your love to those around you but most importantly, on Valentine’s Day, remember to love yourself.

History of Valentine’s Day

An ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, was observed in mid-February. Lupercalia celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites, and the pairing of women and men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I forbid the celebration of Lupercalia. Some scholars believe Lupercalia was therefore replaced by Saint Valentine’s Day. However, Valentine’s Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century.