"I did, Professor, and it was soo exciting, knowing someone out there cares about you"

* takes notes*


Muggles and the wizarding world celebrate Valentine’s in very similar ways. Usually, lovers give each other flowers, chocolates, candies, jewelry and other gifts of endearment, and usually do something special – such as a picnic or lunch - together. Mailboxes fill with Valentine’s Day cards, traditionally signed “From your Valentine”. Anonymous letters/cards (also known as Valentines) are also common

Yeah I've had an anonymous valintine, I was surprised when I got it.

this past valentines day i recieved a valentine with a rose attached to it i was surprised and happy, i felt special.

*Professor Pagina smiles as she recalls her own childhood hundred of years ago*

I remember getting an anonymous Valentine too. It said it was from a Muggle boy named Jerry, but I found out it was actually a trick Valentine from a friend of mine...it would shriek like a maniac when I opened it...

But back to the lesson. Since most of us here have celebrated a Valentine's Day or two, this next question should be no task for you to answer: What are some common symbols or motifs of Valentine’s Day? (I shall give one point for every correct, unique answer posted within the next two or three minutes.)

hearts, cupid, arrows, teddy bears, flowers and cinnamon hearts are all symbols accociated with valentines day

the colours pink and red are also usually conected to valentines day

Hearts, Roses, Chocolate, Color red and Pink, and Stuffed animals.

Cards too, hallmark made a fortune on Valentine's day. Candy, roses, jewelery, etc. Actually people associate Valentines day with lovers, but it started out as a catholic holiday. The feast of St. Valentine.

i suppose you could say kissing but people kiss all through out the year...

Good work.

7 points to averagejane for "hearts, cupid, arrows, teddy bears, flowers and cinnamon hearts" and "the colours pink and red "

2 points to Tidus16 for "Chocolate...and Stuffed animals"

2 points to Aithne for "Cards...jewelery"

(Aithne brought up some history of Valentine's day - very good. We will be discussing this also later in the lesson.)

Symbolism plays a very important part of any holiday, and most of the motifs mentioned have a significant meaning. Does anybody know what the meaning is behind some of the Valentine's day motifs mentioned?

This is a little weird but at my church we use purple to signify valentine's day. I don't really know what that means. Red and pink symbolize passion and love.

hearts, pink and red all represent love
cupid is said to be a baby god that uses arrows to make people fall in love with each other
teddybear give someone tomething to hold on to when the person that gave it to them are not not around it is reminder of the person that gave it to you.

Cards just because they show others you care? The card itself is the symbol.

And i'm fairly sure that precious stones each represent something, diamonds represent loveand faithfulness. Maybe thats why people give diamonds on valentine's day.

jewlery such as a ring symbolizes a never ending love because the ring which is a circle never ends

Chocolate symbolizes luxury, comfort, sensuality, gratification and love

red roses symbolize love.

Very good - take 2 points each Aithne and averagejane.

*Lights up the rooms lamps as the sun sets outside*

Some more notes for you all to copy down - take heed because questions in your homework will come from these!

There are many common symbols of Valentine’s Day, and we see these symbols appear as we celebrate the day. Roses are a big part of Valentine’s Day. It has been said that roses were sacred to Venus the Roman goddess of love. Red roses are the most common roses given during Valentine’s Day – the red symbolizes love and emotion.

In addition to red one, white roses are also commonly given during Valentine’s Day. The white represents the purity and innocence in love.

White doves are also common motifs. Not only do these birds stand for purity, but because these birds mate for life, they are an ideal representation of the commitment in and everlasting quality of love.

Hearts are also abound during Valentine’s Day. The heart was once believed to be the seat of all emotion – including love. To give another person means that you are symbolically giving them all the love in your heart – that is, all the love that you can possibly give.

Finally, Cupid – our beloved cherub – is also commonly seen, usually with a bow and arrow. Fables tell us that when a person is struck by one of Cupid’s arrows, they will fall in love with the first person they see. In the Wizarding World, we can touch and feel these chubby little angels, but in the muggle world, they are restricted to paintings, drawings, pictures…they are only images.

* writes the notes on the board.*

There are many common symbols of Valentine’s Day, and we see these symbols appear as we celebrate the day. Roses are a big part of Valentine’s Day. It has been said that roses were sacred to Venus the Roman goddess of love. Red roses are the most common roses given during Valentine’s Day – the red symbolizes love and emotion.

In addition to red one, white roses are also commonly given during Valentine’s Day. The white represents the purity and innocence in love.

White doves are also common motifs. Not only do these birds stand for purity, but because these birds mate for life, they are an ideal representation of the commitment in and everlasting quality of love.

Hearts are also abound during Valentine’s Day. The heart was once believed to be the seat of all emotion – including love. To give another person means that you are symbolically giving them all the love in your heart – that is, all the love that you can possibly give.

Finally, Cupid – our beloved cherub – is also commonly seen, usually with a bow and arrow. Fables tell us that when a person is struck by one of Cupid’s arrows, they will fall in love with the first person they see. In the Wizarding World, we can touch and feel these chubby little angels, but in the muggle world, they are restricted to paintings, drawings, pictures…they are only images.

K. *copies copies the notes*

*copies the notes*

The last thing we'll be covering today is the history of Valentine's Day. Does anyone know how Valentine’s Day come about?

It was started by St valentine, he did something can't remember though.

He sacrificed himself to the lions so that roman slaves would live. It is called the feast of St. Valentine and is a holiday in the roman catholic church.

Very good - there certainly was a man named Valentine involved, and he did sacrifice himself...Now gather round and I will tell you how Valentine's Day began.

*Professor Pagina draws up a rug by the front of the room and beckons for the students to come sit.*

* comes forward an takes a seat on the rug*

*takes a seat on the rug*