Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day, Christian feast, celebrated on February 14, honoring early
saints named Valentinus.
Stories associated with Valentines are presented in martyrologies, e.g., Saint
Valentine’s imprisonment for performing weddings for soldiers, who were
forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians persecuted under Roman
Empire.
It became associated with romantic love within Geoffrey Chaucer circle in 14th
century, as tradition of courtly love. In 18th-century England, it evolved into
an occasion in which lovers expressed love by presenting flowers, greetings,
etc., (valentines).
It is official feast day in Anglican Communion and Lutheran Church. Some Eastern
Orthodox churches celebrate Saint Valentine's Day on July 6 (in honor of Roman
presbyter Saint Valentine) and July 30, (in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine).
Halloween
Halloween, Christian feast, is a three day observance from evening of 31
October. Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Methodist Church, Lutheran
Church, and other Protestant churches celebrate on 1 November. Eastern Orthodox
Church celebrates it on first Sunday after Pentecost. Oriental Orthodox and
associated churches celebrate on first Friday after Easter.
It is dedicated to the dead (saints (hallows), martyrs, and all faithful
departed.
Some believe that Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic festivals,
with pagan roots. For example, In British Isles, it was celebrated on 1 November
at beginning of 8th century to coincide or replace Celtic festival of Samhain.
Christmas
Christmas is religious celebration of birth of Jesus Christ, on December 25.
According to Christian belief God came into the world in form of man to atone
for sins of humanity.
Several interchangeable figures, known as Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Saint
Nicholas, and Christkind, are associated with bringing gifts to children during
Christmas with body of traditions and lore.
World Religions in Practice, The Catholic Encyclopedia, Wikipedia)