On February 14 everybody who is interested in American culture and English language gathered at the conference room of the Perm Gorky Library to celebrate one of the most popular holidays in the USA and Europe, which is nowadays getting much popular also in Russia – St Valentine’s Day. Valentine was a catholic priest who was famous because he helped Roman soldiers to get married which was not allowed in those times. This was considered a crime and he was executed. Later he was considered a martyr who suffered for Christian faith and in 496 AD Pope Gelasius established a day of Saint Valentine.
The main tradition on this day is to spend it with close people and to show them that they are really important for us. Also people present gifts in a shape of a heart which are called “valentines” and say the most sincere words to the beloved ones. That is why the American Corner held a traditional contest of songs and poems about love and a contest for the best Valentine card. Many school and university students and people who like poems and songs in English took part in these contests. It was hard to choose the best ones because all the participants regardless of their age and knowledge of English showed their bright talents and everybody enjoyed their performances! We could listen to many nice poems, for example by such classical poets as R. Burns, W. Shakespeare and many other good authors. We also had a pleasure to hear such famous songs as Fairy-tale, Unbreak My Heart, Venus, Boulevard of broken dreams, You’ll see. The selection committee included Chris and Svetlana Rasmussen, English teachers at the Perm State University. Also the students have made nice and creative “Valentine card”, and the best ones where picked by the guests. The winners of the competition were awarded with prizes from the American Corner and everybody had many positive emotions and pleasure from listening to wonderful songs and poetry and communication with each other!