Some history… St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, has its origins in different legends. One of them says that Valentine was both a Christian priest and a doctor at Rome in the days of Claudius II. One day a jailer came to Valentine for help ( his daughter was blind). Valentine did what he could, but he was put in prison. He secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was arrested and killed.

Valentine wrote a farewell note to the girl, signing it “From your Valentine”. It happened on the 14th day of February, about the year 270. He was executed on February 14th, and the jailer’s daughter regained her sight (вновь обрела зрение)! It was his love at first sight that did the miracle! Nowadays, we remember Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, by sending cards, flowers and chocolate to the people we love.

Is Valentine’s Day really special? Read what kids and teens from different countries think about it… I like the cool girls and the red roses! It’s cool to get lots of cards and presents! Valentine’s Day is so sweet! It’s a great time to let your friends know how much they mean to you! The feeling you get inside when you receive a gift, card or a rose is so special!

Symbols and traditions Rose is the main flower. A heart and an arrow are the main symbols of the day. Greeting cards in the shape of hearts.

Cupid or Eros in Greek was the son of the Roman and Greek goddess of love Venus. It is believed that Cupid makes people to fall in love. Lovebirds and Doves It is said that lovebirds can't think of life without their mates. Dove signifies purity. They are symbols of loyalty and love. Ribbons, Laces They have become a part of love since the time when the knights used to go to the battlefield wearing the scarf or handkerchief presented by his ladylove.

In many Western countries, wedding rings are worn on the 3d finger of the left hand.It was believed a nerve ran up the finger to the heart. A bit of statistics: 85% of all Valentine cards are sent by women. 75% of people who buy flowers are men. About 3% of pet owners give Valentine’s Day Gifts to their Pets. In the 19th century, many valentines were hand painted. Today, such cards can be seen in museums.

Nobody knows for sure if Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s romantic heroes really existed, but millions of people go to Verona, Italy, to see “the house of Juliet”. There is also an unusual volunteer organization in Verona-the Juliet Club. Every year, they receive about 5000 letters from Heartbroken men and women all over the world. And each letter is answered! Romeo and Juliet

Valentine's Day Love Quotes The most popular Valentine's Day Love Quotes by some of the most celebrated writers of all times: The love that lasts longest is the love that is never returned. Somerset Maugham Love is not weakness. It is strong. Only the sacrament of marriage can contain it. Boris Pasternak Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction. Antoine de Saint If music be the food of love, play on. Shakespeare At the touch of Love every one becomes a poet. Plato

St. Valentine’s Day in Russia Valentine’s Day is a new holiday in Russia, but it’s becoming more and more popular. Here it comes again: the day for exchanging love messages, chocolates, roses, and promises.

Quick quiz: 1.Valentine’s day is celebrated in... a)January; b)February; c) March 2. One of the symbols is... a)Teddy Bear; b) Jack-o’-lantern; c) Cupid 3. On Valentine’s Day people usually say... a)I love you; b) Merry Christmas; c) Treat or Trick

4. People send their sweethearts… a) Christmas cards; b) valentines; c) letters 5. It’s a... holiday. a) national; b) religious; c) romantic 6. Tradition was born in... a) Italy; b) Russia; c) the USA 7. People present... a)apples; b) chocolate; c) books

8. People congratulate who they... a)respect; b) hate; c) love 9. Traditional colours are... a)white and black; b) pink and red c) green and red 10. a) heart; b) head; c) hard

Let’s make Valentine Cards

Instructions –Cut a heart from colored card stock or heavy construction paper (use it as a template to make more). –Punch a starter hole for each finger with a hole punch, then use scissors to enlarge the circle; a child's fingers should fit snugly through the holes. –Decorate the heart with a paint pen or marker, adding facial features, and write your message on the back. Glue on googly eyes.