What is the History of St Valentine’s Day?
The history of St Valentine’s Day is not completely clear, and that mystery is part of what makes the occasion so fascinating.
For centuries, February has been synonymous with love and romance, and Valentine’s Day has become one of the most celebrated days of the year.
This beloved holiday contains elements of both ancient Roman traditions and early Christian history. Yet the person behind its name, Saint Valentine, remains something of an enigma.
The Saints Behind Valentine’s Day
Understanding the true identity of Saint Valentine is difficult because historical research suggests the Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine (or Valentinus).
Any one of these figures could be connected to the history of valentines day, and several other notable individuals have also been linked to the holiday over time.
The Legend of Valentine the Roman Priest
One of the most well-known stories tells of a third-century Roman priest named Valentine.
According to legend, Valentine opposed an unjust decree by Emperor Claudius II. The emperor believed that wives and families distracted soldiers, and he outlawed marriage for young men.
Valentine ignored the law and continued to perform secret weddings for young couples.
Sadly, Claudius discovered these ceremonies and ordered Valentine to be executed for his defiance.
If this story is true, then the history of Valentine’s Day is rooted in the sacrifice of a compassionate priest who believed in love.
The First Valentine Card
Another popular tale suggests Valentine was a prisoner who fell in love with the jailor’s daughter.
The story claims she visited him regularly, and before his execution, Valentine wrote her one final letter, signing it with the now-famous words:
“From your Valentine.”
This legend is often credited as the origin of the very first Valentine’s message.
Valentine’s Day in American Culture
Whatever its true origin, Valentine’s Day has been part of American culture since the early 1700s, when handmade Valentine greetings were exchanged as tokens of affection.
This tradition continued until Esther A. Howland, often called the “Mother of the Valentine,” introduced the first commercially produced valentines in the 1840s.
Decorated with lace, ribbons, and colourful illustrations, her cards quickly became treasured by sweethearts everywhere.
Why is Valentine’s Day Celebrated on February 14?
February 14 and the Festival of Lupercalia
Many historians believe Valentine’s Day became a mid-February celebration as a Christian alternative to the pagan festival of Lupercalia.
Lupercalia was an ancient Roman fertility festival honouring agriculture and the founders of Rome. The rituals included animal sacrifices and symbolic ceremonies believed to encourage fertility and a successful harvest.
At the festival’s conclusion, young women placed their names into an urn to be chosen by bachelors, pairing couples together for the year, many eventually married.
By the end of the 5th century, the festival was considered un-Christian, and Pope Gelasius declared February 14 to be St Valentine’s Day.
Birds, Romance, and Medieval Beliefs
Another theory suggests that people in England and France believed February 14 marked the beginning of birds’ mating season.
This connection between nature and romance may have further strengthened the idea that it should be a day dedicated to love.
What Valentine’s Day Really Means Today
While the true details behind the history of valentines day may never be fully known, what remains certain is its message.
Valentine’s Day is a time to remind our friends, partners, and loved ones how much they mean to us.
Whatever its origins, it continues to be a celebration of affection, connection, and romance.
What a magnificent day.
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