No matter where you live, and what you do, we have all been touched by Love on Valentine’s Day! This universal holiday, celebrated on February 14th, has roots that trace back to both Christian and Roman traditions. The day is named after St. Valentine, a mysterious figure who is believed to have been a priest in 3rd-century Rome. According to legend, Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on soldiers marrying by secretly performing weddings. For his defiance, he was imprisoned and later executed on February 14th.
Over time, his legacy of love and devotion transformed him into a symbol of romance, and by the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day was widely associated with expressions of affection. What an incredible reason to be remembered.
Now the well known (and often dreaded) romantic traditions of Valentine’s Day actually evolved over centuries. During the 14th and 15th centuries, poets like Geoffrey Chaucer helped solidify the connection between St. Valentine and courtly love. By the 18th century, people in England were exchanging handwritten love notes, which eventually led to the modern practice of giving Valentine’s cards! (along with flowers, chocolates, and jewelry!) The red and pink heart-shaped symbols and “Cupid” - the Roman god of love - became popular imagery associated with the holiday. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, with unique traditions in different cultures, all centered around love and appreciation. And with nearly 25 billion spent in 2024 on Valentines Day in the United States alone, it is safe to say it has fully caught on and here to stay!
But perhaps most importantly, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that LOVE transcends language, culture, and geography, making it one of the most powerful forces that unites humanity. Whether expressed through words, gestures, or simple acts of kindness, love is a shared emotion that connects people across all walks of life. From a parent’s love for their child to the deep bond between partners, love is understood and valued in every culture.
There are myriad ways of expressing love, yet the essence remains unchanged: it is about connection, care, and the innate desire to nurture and be nurtured.
Scientific studies show that love and affection release oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone"- reinforcing the idea that love is not just an emotion but a fundamental human need. This biological and emotional necessity for love is why people of all nations and beliefs cherish and celebrate it, making it truly ‘the universal language’.
Love speaks in ways that words cannot. It is why Valentine’s Day is more than a celebration of romance—it is a reminder that love, in all its forms, has the power to heal, unite, and uplift humanity.
No matter how you say it - I love you * Je t’aime * Ti amo * 我爱你
We always understand it.
Have a LOVE filled, STINK free day,
Team E.B.
PS: To celebrate this universal love - Use Code FEB14_VDAY to enjoy 15% off our deodorizer and dehumidifier products, valid until February 24, 2025.
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