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February 2020 - What's Happening @ LWLC: Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day - Basics

Valentine's Day, while not a public holiday, is recognized as a day to celebrate romance and romantic love. The day (February 14) was to honor Saint Valentine, an early Christian saint. The transition to a day honoring love was started by the medieval English writer Geoffrey Chaucer (author of the "Canterbury Tales"), when courtly love (nobility and chivalry between knights and ladies) was popular in both literature and life. By the 1700's, Valentine's Day had become a day lovers exchanged chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards (valentines). Traditional symbols are hearts, heart outlines, doves, and Cupid (ancient Greek god who causes people to fall in love when they are hit by his arrows). These activities spread throughout the English-speaking countries by 1900 and have become common activities. Since then, Valentine's Day (or local equivalents celebrated on days different from February 14th) have developed in many different countries.

For more information, visit these websites:

About Valentine's Day (Holiday Insights) 

Valentine's Day - Facts, Origin, Meaning & Videos (History.com)

Valentine's Day: Love, History, Traditions, and Gift Ideas (Wilstar.com)

Valentine's Day History (Infoplease - one of our freely accessible resources)

 

 Photo source: thefez.com (NF); Text: NF

Love Stories

As librarians, we are noted for lists of recommended books and items about various topics. 

13 Love Stories to Read This Valentine's Day (BookBub)

20 Greatest Love Stories Throughout History (Town & Country)  - Famous couples and lovers in history

50 Best Romantic Movies (Empire)

60 Best Romance Novels of All Time (Reader's Digest)

Best Romance Novels Ever Written (ProWriting Aid) aka Top 30 Romance Novels of All Time

Text: NF

Books & eBooks

Here are some books and e-books accessible to ASU patrons  that discuss love, romance and Valentine's Day.

Text & selections: NF

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