Love in Bloom: The Rich History of Valentine's Day in the United States DBQ

Upon reading the article "Love in Bloom: Unveiling the Rich History of Valentine's Day in the United States" and answering the provided questions, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious evolution of Valentine's Day.

1. Students will learn that Valentine's Day originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility, purification, and the anticipation of spring. They will understand the key themes of Lupercalia, including rituals honoring the Roman gods Lupercus and Juno.
2. They will delve into the rituals and customs associated with Lupercalia, such as animal sacrifices, ceremonial processions, and the symbolic shedding of old energies for new growth and abundance.
3. Understanding how young men participated in Lupercalia, students will grasp the significance of their actions symbolizing fertility and protection from evil spirits as they ran through the streets of Rome wielding strips of goat skin.
4. The article provides insight into the matchmaking lottery aspect of Lupercalia, explaining its purpose in promoting fertility, ensuring community continuation, and bestowing blessings upon the chosen couples.
5. Students will learn how the Christian influence transformed Valentine's Day from its pagan origins, with the establishment of the Feast of St. Valentine to honor Christian martyrs associated with acts of love and compassion.
6. Exploring the legends associated with St. Valentine, students will uncover stories of defiance against Emperor Claudius II's marriage ban and acts of compassion and healing attributed to him.
7. They will discover Geoffrey Chaucer's role in popularizing Valentine's Day as a celebration of romantic love through his poem "Parlement of Foules," which depicted birds choosing mates on Valentine's Day.
8. The article discusses how the Victorians contributed to the commercialization and sentimentalization of Valentine's Day through the production of elaborate valentine cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and romantic motifs.
9. Students will learn about modern traditions associated with Valentine's Day, including the exchange of greeting cards, roses, chocolates, and the influence of digital expressions of love.
10. Lastly, the article explores how the digital age has influenced the celebration of Valentine's Day, expanding it beyond traditional confines to embrace technology-mediated expressions of love and affection through e-cards, social media messages, and virtual gifts.

By engaging with the article and answering the questions, students will gain a holistic understanding of the origins, traditions, and cultural significance of Valentine's Day in the United States, appreciating its enduring legacy as a celebration of love and affection.

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