National Crab Rangoon Day – February 13, 2025

History of National Crab Rangoon Day

National Crab Rangoon Day was created in 2009 by a group of friends named Sarah White, Kara Sweeney, and Kristin Ostrem. The day was created as an interesting way to stem the disappointment that came with being alone on Valentine’s Day. The day is to be celebrated in the company of friends to ward off feelings of sadness and loneliness on the night before Cupid is unleashed.

Several legends exist on the history of Valentine’s Day. One story reports that Valentine was a man who helped Christians escape from Roman prisons. However, the most well-known can be traced to 3rd century Rome. According to the story, the Emperor of Rome — Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men because he believed that single men were better soldiers than those already married. Defying the emperor’s command, a priest known as Valentine began performing marriages in secret. When he was caught, the Roman Emperor had him put to death. By the Middle Ages, he became one of the most popular saints in England and France.

It is believed that February was chosen to celebrate Valentine’s Day because that was when Valentine’s death or burial occurred, around 270 A.D. Other groups insist that it was placed in February to Christianize a pagan festival held within the same month — called Lupercalia. However, it wasn’t until the 5th century that February 14 became the official date, declared by Pope Gelasius.

Today, Valentine’s Day is known as a couples’ day for lovers to exchange presents and go on romantic dates. The major colors used to mark the celebration are red and white, worn by people or used to decorate buildings and streets. Whatever the origins might be, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love.