Propose Day: The Surprising ‘Diamond Ring’ History Behind the Occasion | Explained

As part of the Valentine’s Day week, today is considered ‘Propose Day’ when people express their love in the hope of cementing a relationship. Read more

history of propose day

Propose Day is believed to have originated as part of the centuries-old Valentine’s Week traditions. According to a Hindustan Times report, Valentine’s week and the days that follow it originated in the West and have since expanded to other regions, including India.

The origins of propose day are unknown and its history is little documented, the report said, adding that it is believed that Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477. In 1816, Princess Charlotte’s engagement to her future husband was a major topic of conversation.

A model displays a rare fancy bright blue diamond during an auction preview at Sotheby’s in Geneva May 6, 2009. reuters

As a result, Propose Day became a holiday celebrated on the second day of Valentine’s Week. In recent years, the celebration of Propose Day has grown in popularity and is now frequently celebrated by couples in many countries.

Diamond Ring

Prior to Archduke Maximilian of Austria’s proposal, the most favored rings contained various gemstones, often birthstones. As the emerald was his birthstone, Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria in 1840 with a stunning emerald ring (she gave him two garters in return), Racked States reports.

However, diamonds are often associated with the Queen, and the popularity of the diamond engagement ring is sometimes erroneously attributed to her, as diamond jewelery was introduced in 1887 to celebrate her 50 years on the throne. Hundreds of pieces were made. This resulted in a significant increase in the demand for diamonds, which demonstrated patriotism and the ability to beautify oneself in a queenly manner. Diamonds started appearing everywhere, even on engagement rings.

And thus began the diamond fashion. The report states that the fact that diamonds are practically (but not technically) indestructible means that they can withstand daily wear and tear in a way that non-traditional gemstones such as pearls cannot.

His fame quickly spread to America. With the growth of the automobile and teen culture, engagement rings have become increasingly essential.

History of Valentine’s Day

According to the new York Times, The holiday may have been inspired by the two men. NPR says the Roman Emperor Claudius II murdered two Valentines in the 3rd century AD on February 14 (though in different years). It is believed that the Catholic Church created St. Valentine’s Day to honor these men, whom they considered martyrs.

Bishop Michael Router blesses engaged couple Daniel Queenie and Aisling McEntee by shaking holy water on their rings at the Shrine of the Holy Relics of St Valentine at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, ahead of the Feast of St Valentine, Dublin, Ireland, February 12 Gave. , 2022. Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne

It is likely that one of these men, St. Valentine of Terni, secretly arranged marriages for Roman soldiers against the emperor’s wishes, making him an advocate of love in the eyes of some.

There is another story surrounding the custom of sending love letters on Valentines Day. Saint Valentine reportedly wrote the first “Valentine” message to a young girl he had educated and fallen in love with when she was imprisoned for the above offenses. According to The History Channel, she had previously written a letter signed “From Your Valentine”. His death, which remains a popular expression even today.

However, these romantic tales are just myths, says a report country dwellers, Saint Valentine is still revered as a saint, despite the fact that the Roman Catholic Church removed his feast day from its calendar in 1969, because little is known about his martyrdom.

Does Valentine’s Day Have Pagan Roots?

Lupercalia was an ancient Roman fertility festival held in mid-February, reports say country dwellers, Dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and the Roman founders Romulus and Remus, this festival of debauchery included a ritual in which an order of Roman priests ran naked through the streets and “slowed down” women with blood-soaked skins. slapped”. Animal sacrifices were made, which they believed promoted fertility. Later, according to Britannica.com, the women were paired with the men “by lottery”.

In the late fifth century BC, Pope Gelasius I made Lupercalia illegal. Some stories claim that he replaced the pagan occasion with the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day on 14 February.

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