by ABFRLadmin | February 14, 2025
A celebration of love paints the world red every year on February 14th. Heart-shaped chocolates, red roses, and candlelit dinners bring couples together, while others choose to memorialise the day with their group of friends, or raise a toast to their single status by going on solo dates. The 21st century has witnessed the spectrum expand to welcome love across all races, ethnicities and genders.
This wasn’t always the case though. The origin of Valentine’s Day is steeped in varying versions of history, myths, and legends that go far beyond its modern construct. From ancient fertility festivals to the mysterious St. Valentine, let’s take a journey through time to uncover how this day has evolved through centuries, blending folklore, traditions, and love stories.
Before Cupid came the Festival of Fertility
A long time ago, before Valentine’s Day was synonymous with romance, it was called Lupercalia by the ancient Romans. Celebrated on 13th-15th February, it was dedicated to Lupercus, the God of fertility and Faunus, the God of agriculture. In a bizarre version of speed dating, the festival also included a matchmaking lottery where men and women were randomly paired for a year of companionship—sometimes leading to marriage.
The Mystery of St. Valentine
The true origins of Valentine’s Day will remain a mystery till the end of time, because there were multiple St. Valentines in Christian history.
The most famous legend suggests that St. Valentine of Rome was a priest during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius had banned marriages for his soldiers believing that single men would serve better in his army without the distraction of a wife. However, Valentine decided to defy this order by performing marriages in secret for the soldiers. Unfortunately, he was caught and imprisoned for this, eventually leading to be executed on the 14th of February, around 269 AD.
Another version of the origin claims that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and sent her a letter signed “From your Valentine”, a phrase we still use to this day. Whichever version you believe, whether fact or fiction, his sacrifices led to his sainthood and a celebration of love in the face of resistance.
Centuries later, Pope Gelasius I established the 14th of February as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, possibly as a way to Christianise Lupercalia.
Geoffrey Chaucer: The Poet Who Shaped Romance
The link between Valentine’s Day and romantic love was solidified in the Middle Ages. Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet, played a huge part in turning Valentine’s Day into a romantic celebration. In his poem “Parliament of Fowls” (1382), Chaucer wrote:
“For this was on Saint Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”
The poetic association between love and the 14th of February quickly caught on with the European aristocracy. In fact, the first love letter we have on record was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Love in Ink: The Victorian Valentine’s Revolution
By the time the 19th century rolled in, Valentine’s Day had turned into a widely celebrated occasion. The Victorians, renowned for their love of romantic gestures, were the first to exchange intricately designed Valentine’s Day cards, often decorated with lace, flowers, and Cupid illustrations. This went commercial in 1840 with Esther Howland, known as the “Mother of American Valentine”, began mass producing Valentine’s cards in the U.S., making the day even more popular.
The Victorians had a wicked sense of humour though. They came up with “Vinegar Valentines”, sarcastic and insulting cards meant to get rid of unwanted admirers. These funny but harsh messages were the opposite of the love-filled Valentine’s we know today.
From Love Letters to Luxury Gifts
Today, Valentine’s Day has become a billion-dollar industry, with people professing their love by lavishly spending on flowers, chocolates, jewellery, and a wide assortment of romantic experiences. However, in today’s day and age, the modern Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love. We now celebrate the dear friendships in our lives (Galentine’s Day), self-love, and love for our loved ones beyond romantic partners with just as much enthusiasm.
Timeless Tales and Legends
Valentine’s Day has inspired many myths and legends.
1. Cupid – The playful god of love, had magical arrows—one to make people fall in love and another to make them hate one another. Hope the right arrows find you this Valentine season.
2. The Valentine’s Key – In Italy, the Valentine’s Key is a traditional symbol of love. It was a symbolic gesture to “unlock the heart” of a beloved.
3. The Legend of the Rose
Ever wonder why we exchange roses on Valentine’s Day? Well, the tale goes back to St. Valentine, who fell in love with the jailer’s blind daughter. One day he gave her a red rose to confess the depths of his love. If myth is to be believed, she regained her sight after receiving the rose. While we take the miracle with a grain of salt, Roses have prevailed as a symbol of professing our undying love.
A Timeless Celebration of Love
From ancient Roman rituals to medieval poetry and the modern era of grand romantic gestures, Valentine’s Day has stood the test of time. Whether rooted in myth, religion, or commerce, it remains a day that brings people together to celebrate love in all its forms. So, whether you’re gifting roses, writing a heartfelt note, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, remember that you’re part of a tradition that has evolved over the centuries—one that proves love is truly timeless.
Would you celebrate Valentine’s Day the old-fashioned way, or are you happy with today’s customs? Let us know in the comments!
