The History of Valentine’s Day: Why Is Valentine’s Day Celebrated

History Of Valentine Day

Can you smell it? Love is in the air again. It’s time again for all things red, pink and romance. Although love should be celebrated every single day, with Valentine’s Day approaching fast, most of us are gearing up to express our love to our special someone and let them know how important they are to us. But do you know the truth about Valentine’s Day?

Granted Valentine’s Day is now associated with flowers, chocolates, gifts, fancy dinners and dates, but the history of valentine’s day is not necessarily rooted in love and romance. True, most of us are aware that the day is meant to venerate the death of St. Valentine, but the exact origin of this day of romance is actually not that romantic. 

What Is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, is a social custom which is celebrated by couples of all ages across the world on February 14 each year. Filled with cards, heart-eye emojis, plushies, flowers and boxes of candy, it is a day of love when lovers express their affection and appreciation for their partner through gifts and greetings. Unfortunately, with the commercialization of the holiday, most of us have either forgotten or aren’t aware of the true history of valentine’s day.

This holiday, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine, is deeply rooted in ancient Rome and was initially celebrated in Victorian England. However, the origin story may not be as romantic as we may want to believe. And there is a lot of mystery surrounding its origin. So put on your fedora and rose-tinted glasses and let’s explore the fascinating origins and history of Happy Valentine’s Day!

Related: 6 Best Tips For A Great Valentine’s Day

Why Is Valentine’s Day Celebrated?

Now that we know what is Valentine’s Day, let us delve into the question – why is Valentine’s Day celebrated? Did you know that the very first Valentine’s Day was celebrated in the year 496? The history of Valentine’s Day is a bit complicated. According to the BBC, the holiday has possibly originated from the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival, which was celebrated at the start of spring… the middle of February. Although the origins of Lupercalia are unclear, the festival was organized by the Luperci, a corporation of priests. The festivities started with sacrificing goats for fertility and a dog for purification and later the goats were consumed at the sacrificial feast. The Luperci then used the hide of the sacrificed animals and playfully struck women approaching them, while the male priests ran around. This ritual was meant to encourage fertility, both in the crop fields and the women. 

The festival also involved the pairing of men and women based on lottery. The matchmaking ritual involved eligible male bachelors drawing names of young, single women from a box or jar, who would then become a couple and mate during the festival and could even get married, if the couple agreed.

However, in the 5th century the celebration of the pagan festival Lupercalia was banned by Pope Gelasius I as it is believed that the church wanted to make it a more Christian festival. Although there is no clear evidence, many believe that this is when the pagan festival was replaced with Saint. Valentine’s Day, which began to be celebrated on February 14. Even though the ancient Roman revelry was banned, the day was still associated with love and fertility. Moreover, the legend of St. Valentine further added to the already muddled yet deep history of Valentine’s Day.

Related: 8 Romantic Ideas To Spice Up Your Valentine’s Day

The Legend of Saint Valentine

The truth about Valentine’s Day and St. Valentine can seem like a bit of a mystery to some. Yes, most of us are aware that the legend of Saint Valentine is associated with Happy Valentine’s Day. But did you know there were 3 different Saint Valentines who are related to this romantic holiday? Let’s crack open this mystery of Saint Valentine and the history of Valentine’s Day. Several early Christian saints named Valentine were martyred who may be the inspiration for Saint Valentine’s Day. Of them Saint Valentine of Rome, Saint Valentine of Terni and a third Saint Valentine who was martyred in Africa on February 14 are spoken of in most legends. 

Saint Valentine of Rome was martyred in the third century and was honored in the calendar of saints in 496 by Pope Gelasius I. He was persecuted in 269 under the Roman Empire for converting Romans to Christianity. Emperor Claudius II, who was a pagan, believed that Roman soldiers would be more dedicated if they were barred from marriage. So the emperor passed a law that prevented soldiers from marrying and established strict laws for Christians. However, Saint Valentine, who felt such rules were unfair, ministered many Romans and helped the soldiers get married in secret ceremonies. 

Unfortunately, Emperor Claudius II soon found out the truth and sentenced Valentine of Rome to death for breaking the rules. While imprisoned, Valentine helped other prisoners and also helped to cure the blindness of the jailer’s daughter. According to legend, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and wrote a love letter to her, which was signed “from your Valentine. Sadly, Saint Valentine of Rome was martyred on 14 February, 270.

However, Valentine of Terni and a third Saint Valentine are also believed to be associated with the history of Valentine’s Day as well. Valentine of Terni was a Temple Priest who also helped young Christians lovers get married. But not much is known about the third Saint Valentine and how he is specifically associated with this day of love and romance.

Related: 5 Things To Do If Your Boyfriend ‘Forgot’ Valentine’s Day

The Truth About Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine’s Day eventually became a day for celebrating romance and love during the 14th-15th century. However, it became a real celebration in the 18th century when couples in England started to express their romantic love by giving gifts, flowers and handwritten greeting cards, which was called Valentines. This, perhaps, marked the true beginning of Happy Valentine’s Day. Although writing romantic greetings to one another existed during the Middle Ages, as not too many people were literate, it was not too popular at that time. 

Eventually, sending love letters and cards on Valentine’s Day started to gain popularity with the advent of printing technology and pre-printed greetings cards. In the United States, as the celebration started to gain traction, an American woman named Esther A. Howland introduced the concept of mass-produced greetings cards for lovers in 1840. Her cards were considered as intricate pieces of art which made popular as the “Mother of the Valentine.” Even though these cards became less personal, it became a lot more economical and feasible which added to the popularity of sending greetings on this day.

During this period, chocolates also became associated with romance thanks to the efforts of Richard Cadbury. In 1861, he introduced heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and marketed them using images of the god of love & attraction, Cupid. By making chocolates commercialized  and affordable, Cadbury made it a common item, instead of a luxury experienced by only the elite. There is no doubt that the history of Valentine’s Day and the associated rituals greatly influenced how we celebrate the holiday today. 

Related: It’s Okay If You Are Not In A Relationship This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day around the world

Although the history of Valentine’s Day is a bit muddled, the holiday is widely popular across the globe. Apart from being commonly celebrated in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, France, South Korea, Argentina and Mexico, lovers from all around the world express their love in their own way on Valentine’s Day. Often considered a “Hallmark holiday,” for its commercialization, sharing greeting cards, gifts, chocolates and flowers have become customary today. Many couples also go on fancy dinner dates, while some choose to celebrate it in a more personal way in the comfort of their own homes with home-cooked meals.

The special day is celebrated in many countries and some of them have developed their own customs and traditions for wishing each other a Happy Valentine’s Day, based on their unique cultures. While most of us express our love to our romantic interests or partners on this day, many cultures honor Valentine’s Day by showing love for their family and friends. In fact, many schoolchildren share Valentine’s cards with each other and their teachers to celebrate the history of Valentine’s Day. 

In some Latin American nations like Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and Mexico, this special day is known as Día de los Enamorados or the Day of Lovers, where couples share flowers & chocolate with each other. It is also known as Día del Amor y la Amistad or the Day of Love and Friendship as many people express gratitude and appreciation for their friends and loved ones, who are not necessarily their romantic partners.

In Japan, a translation error from a chocolate brand gave birth to the custom of women giving chocolates to men on this day, especially among coworkers. However, sharing gifts like  greeting cards, flowers or going on diner dates are not as common. Known as Giri choco, the primary focus is on gifting the right amount of chocolate to the right man. In the Philippines, this romantic holiday is celebrated by organizing mass weddings and having wedding anniversaries of numerous couples. Many lovers also propose marriage to their romantic partners on Valentine’s Day across the world as it is seen as a highly romantic gesture.

Related: 5 Reasons You Should Not Rush Into A Relationship During Valentine’s Season

A celebration of love

Regardless of the truth about Valentine’s Day, there is no doubt that this is considered as a day of love by most people and is celebrated widely across the globe. While some celebrate this holiday with their romantic partners, some others celebrate it with their family, friends and even themselves. And that is perhaps the true beauty of Valentine’s Day. Beyond the commercialization, the gifts and the dinner dates, the celebration of love is perhaps the best way for us to remember Saint Valentine and to add some magic into our lives.

So go ahead and celebrate love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Related: How to Surprise Your Boyfriend on Valentine’s Day

Why Valentine Day Celebrated
History Of Valentine Day pin

— About the Author —

Leave a Reply



Up Next

10 Fashion Horror Movies That Reflect Killer Style

Best Fashion Horror Movies To Put On Your Watch List

Immerse yourself in the terrifying world where haute couture meets horror. These fashion horror movies are a chilling blend of stylish yet spooky vibes.

In horror fashion films, beauty merges with gore to create something truly special. The captivating cinematography paired with haunting scores has made some of the most memorable moments in all cinema.

But one thing that has always stood out has been how they’ve used fashion to make your wardrobe look deadly. These fashion horror movies take it a step further by having their stories revolve around the dark side of



Up Next

9 Lessons From Samantha Jones’ Quotes Every Single Woman Should Read

Best Samantha Jones Quotes That Teaches Us Life Lessons

As an adult, rewatching Sex and the City feels like opening a treasure chest of wisdom. Especially when it comes to Samantha Jones quotes, she’s the epitome of fearless confidence. And who doesn’t love a good truth bomb?

One of her most iconic lines is: “I don’t care what you think.” It’s so powerful because it reminds us all to embrace our unique selves and let whatever people say just slide off.

If you haven’t revisited the series in a while, I highly recommend watching it again. You’ll be surprised at how much more sense Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall will make this time around.

And if you don’t have time fo



Up Next

10 Socially Conscious And Most Popular Fandoms In The World

Top Most Popular Fandoms That Create Social Impact

In a world full of countless stories and characters, popular fandoms are massive. They’re not just groups of people who like the same movie or TV show – they’re communities that are deeply immersed in their favorite fictional worlds.

Fans make every little detail their own, feelings as if it happened to them and experience every emotion on a personal level.

They can be Potterheads or they might be stans of Marvel, DC or anything else. It doesn’t matter what story they love, the only thing that is certain is that they feel everything at a much deeper level than most people.

From a victory to a tragic death, from a plot twist to the end of the storyline; tears, laughter and celebration are shared as if it were their own,



Up Next

Meaningful Coincidences: The Science Of Synchronicity and Its Mysterious Impact on Your Life

The Science of Synchronicity And Meaningful Coincidences

Have you ever experienced a series of events that seemed too remarkable to be mere chance? Moments when the universe seemed to align, and the boundaries between the inner and outer world blurred? These instances, known as synchronicity, are captivating meaningful coincidences that leave us in awe of the mysteries that surround our lives. 

Let us embark on an exploration of meaningful coincidences, unravel the science of synchronicity, and understand the profound role of synchronicity in your life.

What is Synchronicity?

Synchronicity refers to the simultaneous occurrence of events that hold a significant meaning to the individual experiencing them but have no apparent causal connection. 



Up Next

The Profound Spiritual Meaning Of Tornadoes In Dreams: 4 Hidden Messages

The Profound Spiritual Meaning Of Tornadoes In Dreams

Ever had a dream about the chaotic fury of a tornado? Dreams can be overwhelming at times, but dreams are often subtle messages from your subconscious. So are there any hidden spiritual meaning of tornadoes in dreams?

Dreams can often be mysterious, captivating, and laden with symbolism. While some dreams may seem abstract or random, others carry deeper significance, offering us insights into our subconscious mind and spiritual journey. 

While we may forget most of our dreams when we wake up in the morning, there may be a deeper reason why you are dreaming about tornadoes. Such dreams signify that your mind is utilizing the imagery of tornadoes to express and indicate something deeper inside you.

When you reflect on your tornado dreams, you can tap into your subconsc



Up Next

8 Mesmerizing Slow Burn Romance Movies And TV Shows To Wander Into Love

Best Slow Burn Romance Movies And TV Shows

In a world where relationships are often rushed through, slow burn romances are probably what we all need.

Slow-burn love is gentle and patient, it allows two people to truly know each other before they dive into the thick of it. These kind of slow burn romance movies and TV shows tell us vivid stories about love that grows like a flickering flame until it’s a warm hearth fire.

They steal glances, have heartfelt conversations, each moment growing more and more eager for their next interaction. And there’s something special about that anticipation.

It creates depth between characters when you see them grow closer episode by episode or scene by scene.

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the busiest city or quietest village, these stories always resonate



Up Next

13 Steamy Romance Novels That Will Leave You Wanting More

Steamy Romance Novels And Best Adult Books To Read

Do you want add some spice to your reading list? We have a collection of steamy romance novels that will keep you hooked from beginning to end!

Forget the clichés of Fifty Shades of Grey because we’ve curated a list of 12 best adult books to read that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

They’re not just average sexy romance novels with a weak plot but these consist of stories about desire, love, passion, and all the complexities in between — and they’re articulated with sophistication and style.

So, are you ready to pick your favorite cozy spot, and let these best smut books sweep you away for hours on end? Whether you like contemporary romance, historical settings, or paranormal allure, there’s a story here for everyone.