Today, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, but it hasn’t always been so sweet. The origins of Valentine’s Day actually include the supposed deaths of two Roman saints, an ancient Roman fertility festival and the works of Chaucer about birds and their mating habits.
How we went from bloodshed and animal mating to a day of wine and dining your betrothed is quite the story, and has yet to be proven. So, we thought we’d break down the origin stories, traditions and superstitions of the romantic holiday to explore how Valentine’s Day came about and what it means to us now.
When did Valentine’s Day start?
Many believe the annual celebration of love is based on two saints named Valentine who were executed on February 14th in different years by Emperor Claudius II in 3rd century Rome. We might not know exactly who they were, but we have stories that are popularly told marking the origins of Valentine’s Day.
Getting wed in secret
During the reign of Emperor Claudius II, battle was a frequent state, and he believed men who married and had families made for poor soldiers because they’d be reluctant to go into battle. This was of no benefit to an emperor set on conquering, so what was the logical thing for Emperor Claudius II to do? Ban marriage, obviously.
A man named Valentine didn’t like this rule. He valued love and romance too much to sit back and let it happen, so he’d arrange marriages in secret. Eventually, Valentine got caught and thrown in jail. He was sentenced to death for going against the Emperor’s law, and he died a saint on February 14th.
Bittersweet love letters
There’s uncertainty whether the second story of Saint Valentine is the same person as the secret wedding arranger or not, but it is thought that this story is about a different man in a different year.
This St Valentine was in prison for some reason or another, and during his time in jail, he fell in love with none other than the jailer’s daughter.
When he was to be executed on February 14th, he sent his beloved a love letter signed “from your Valentine”, and it is said that this was the origin of being someone’s Valentine.
The festival of fertility
Lupercalia was a Roman festival in mid-February, signifying the beginning of springtime. It was a tradition during this festival that boys drew girls’ names from a box to partner up with during the festival, supposedly some of those partners would go on to be married later.
This festival is thought to have inspired the Christian celebration to remember St Valentine, which in time became the Valentine’s Day we know and love.
Who created Valentine’s Day?
We know where the concept came from, but how did a Christian celebration inspired by tales of Ancient Rome become the Valentine’s Day we know today?
It wasn’t until around the Middle Ages that the day was truly coined a celebration of love, for Geoffrey Chaucer, English poet, writer and civil servant, wrote “The Parliament of Fowls” about birds gathering to choose their mates at the same time each year, and instead of mentioning the date, he proclaimed it “was on Saint Valentine’s Day”.
From there, famous romantic writers like Shakespeare carried the tradition forward, shaping the romantic festival of love each year.
Where did Cupid come from?
It’s unclear when, but Roman mythology also played its part in shaping Valentine’s Day, as told through the story of the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. He was named Cupid, and he would shoot arrows at gods and humans to make them instantly fall in love, a tale still told today.
Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
That brings us to today. Now Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate and make the day special with gifts, cards, flowers and romantic dates.
Valentine’s Day traditions can be traced back to as early as Saxon England, where they became commercialised. Victorian men would buy flowers and elegant cards with secret panels to hold notes and send them to their lovers, often anonymously, which is where the tradition of secret valentines or admirers began.
By 1910, Valentine’s Day cards were widely distributed and became an essential part of celebrating love on the romantic holiday. Now you can browse heartfelt, funny and personalised Valentine’s Day cards at the click of a button!
Spread the love this Valentine’s Day
From red roses to pig-shaped gifts, Valentine’s traditions vary across the world, and some people celebrate with friends and family. But no matter who you’re celebrating and how you do it, it should be spent making your loved ones feel special.
Gift them delicious chocolates and beautiful bouquets to keep the classic traditions of Valentine’s Day alive, handpick a thoughtful card and write a loving note to show your nearest and dearest just how much they mean to you. We’ve got you covered with some love-filled messages to get you started.
Plan meaningful dates, from connecting over a candlelit dinner to making the most of the day in the comfort of your own home. There are a bunch of different date ideas to keep the spark alive. If celebrating with pals is more your thing, throw a Valentine’s-themed party for everyone to enjoy.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the day should be spent in ways you enjoy, so make your own traditions this year. As Franklin P Jones put it, “Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile”, one of the many heartwarming famous Valentine’s Day quotes.
