S A N V A L E N T IN O
C A N ’T S T A N D IT A L IA N V A L E N T I N E ’S D A Y ?
TRAVEL! V E R O N IC A G U A R IS C O , 2 D
A great number of Italians tend to consider Valentine’s Day as the latest commercial gimmick, made to enrich stores and florists. Well, if this can cheer you up, it’s the same almost everywhere! Despite conventionalism, consumerism, cynicism, and all the other –isms, on the 14th the feeling par excellence, Love, is celebrated. Although the truth behind the festival is murky, it’s certain that it has century-old roots. One of the most accredited beliefs reports that Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd century in Rome, who celebrated outlawed marriage for young lovers, notwithstanding emperor Claudius’ ordinance which supported E t C e t e r a M a jo r a n a
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the belief that single men made better soldiers than those with families. Of course, once he was found out, he was sentenced to death. Gradually, Saint Valentine became so popular that couples all across the world started to remember the date he was executed on as the day of love. It occurs in different ways, closely related to peoples’ culture: even if you hardly enjoy this festivity, I’m sure you’ll change your opinion and run to pack your luggage after reading the rest of the article. United States Here lovers go all out in displaying their fondness for each other. Every year, Americans spend a sweet 18 F e b b r a io 2 0 2 2 - N ° 6
