Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection. Its origins are a blend of ancient traditions, religious legends, and literary influences that have evolved over centuries into the holiday we know today.

The Festival of Lupercalia

One theory traces Valentine’s Day back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. This pagan celebration was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

Lupercalia involved rituals believed to promote fertility and purification, marking the onset of spring. As Christianity spread, it’s believed that the church sought to replace pagan festivals with Christian observances, leading to the establishment of St. Valentine’s feast day.

The Legend of Saint Valentine

Giving the exact identity of Saint Valentine is impossible and it is a mystery. Multiple martyrs that are named Valentine are recognized by the Catholic Church.

A popular legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in 3rd century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree prohibiting soldiers from marrying, believing that single men made better soldiers.

This occasion continued to perform secret marriages and was eventually executed for his defiance.

Another tale tells of Valentine restoring sight to his jailer’s blind daughter and writing her a farewell note signed “Your Valentine” before his execution, possibly inspiring the tradition of sending love messages.

Association with Romantic Love

Connection between Valentine’s Day and romantic love is often attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, a 14th-century English poet. “Parliament of Fowls,” Chaucer wrote about birds choosing their mates on “seynt Valentynes day,” linking the day to love and mating.

However, this literary association coincided with the belief that mid-February was the beginning of birds’ mating season, further explainingh the day’s romantic beliefs.

Evolution of Traditions

By the 18th century, Valentine’s Day had become an occasion for expressing love through the exchange of handwritten notes and tokens.

Therefore, Industrial Revolution introduced mass-produced greeting cards, making it easier for people to share their sentiments. Symbols such as hearts, doves, and Cupid became associated with the holiday.

Also, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with various customs, including giving flowers, chocolates, and cards, as well as sharing romantic dinners.

Global Celebrations

Valentine’s Day traditions vary across cultures. In Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14th, with men reciprocating a month later on “White Day.” Wales, couples exchange intricately carved wooden “love spoons” on January 25th, known as Saint Dwynwen’s Day.

In the Philippines, mass weddings are a common Valentine’s Day event, with many couples tying the knot simultaneously.

Today is a universal occasion to celebrate love in its many forms, reflecting both ancient traditions and modern customs. Share love, gifts and pleasantries today. Happy Valentine’s Day