Valentine’s Day, with its blend of history and tradition, is celebrated in Ireland with a unique charm, weaving together the island’s cultural legacy and its rich literary heritage. This February 14th, as the world pays tribute to love and friendship, Ireland adds its own hue to the celebration, through its traditions and the poetry of its esteemed writers and poets.
The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to ancient Rome, with the festival of Lupercalia and the story of Saint Valentine, a priest who secretly married soldiers. Though Ireland did not play a part in the inception of this holiday, it has embraced and adapted the celebration to its own culture, infusing it with its inherent love for literature and poetry.
In Ireland, Valentine’s Day is celebrated similarly to other parts of the world, with the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts. However, it is poetry that holds a special place in the heart of the Irish celebration. The island, known for its numerous poets and writers, utilizes the written word to express the deepest feelings of the heart.
Irish poets like W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney have penned verses that capture the essence of love with a beauty and depth that resonate in the soul. Seamus Heaney wrote:
“So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be
Old bridges breaking between you and me
Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall
Confident that we have built our wall.”
This February 14th, as the world celebrates love in its many forms, Ireland adds to the festivity the gift of its literature, reminding us that love, in its essence, is a work of art.
In Ireland Experience, we offer our students a total immersion in the culture, history, and customs of Ireland, especially Cork, a wonderful city. Contact us and join this great family.
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