Whether Valentine’s Day holds a special place in your heart or you find it less appealing, one fact remains evident: the roots of Valentine’s Day extend deeply into history. Despite its contemporary association with kissing, exchanging gifts, and the challenge of securing coveted dinner reservations, the origins of this holiday lack the romantic allure. Here, we uncover the historical narrative of Valentine’s Day that wouldn’t fit neatly into a romantic comedy, spotlighting a saint, a tragic event, and even the intriguing stories involving the supposedly sinful nuns associated with Valentine’s Day (yes, seriously!).
When is Valentine’s Day?
Let’s start with a brief reminder: Valentine’s Day consistently takes place on February 14, with Valentine’s Day 2024 landing on a Wednesday. Keep an eye out for 2025, when it will switch to a Friday!
Moving on to the historical context, in the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius officially designated February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day. Since then, this date has been marked for celebration, although during its early history, the focus was more on religious observance than romantic sentiments.
How did Valentine’s Day start?
Valentine’s Day is a set date on the calendar, and its connection to love stems from its inclusion in the ancient Roman holiday known as Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. Some historians suggest that Lupercalia’s focus on fertility played a role in shaping Valentine’s Day into a celebration of love. This ancient Roman festivity may have involved a ritual where men and women were paired off by drawing names from a jar. In Ancient Greece, a mid-winter celebration honored the marriage of the gods Zeus and Hera.
Why is Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 14th?
In a common practice, early Christians frequently aligned their celebrations with existing festivals, such as the pairing of Christmas with the winter solstice. Consequently, they designated Valentine’s Day to fall on February 14th, strategically distinct from Lupercalia, which traditionally took place on February 15th.
Who was Saint Valentine? (And what does he have to do with chocolate hearts?)
Surprisingly, not a lot. St. Valentine’s Day originated as a feast day in the Catholic faith, officially incorporated into the liturgical calendar circa 500 AD. This day served as a commemoration for martyred saints who bore the name Valentine. Various legends highlight three distinct saints named Valentine or Valentinus. Due to the limited information about these individuals and conflicting narratives, the feast day was eventually removed from the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar in 1969.
While the true history of the Saint Valentines behind the holiday remains elusive, various legends surround the figure of Saint Valentine. In one account, it is said that Saint Valentine resisted conversion to paganism and faced execution under Roman Emperor Claudius II. Before his demise, he performed a miraculous healing on the jailer’s daughter, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his entire family to Christianity. Another legend attributes the holiday’s namesake to a bishop named Saint Valentine of Terni, who also met a similar fate through execution.
Another perspective on Saint Valentine’s connection to the love-focused holiday suggests that he was a Roman priest. In this version, Saint Valentine defied a decree by a Roman emperor prohibiting soldiers from marrying, under the belief that married soldiers were less effective warriors. To assist these forbidden unions, Saint Valentine conducted weddings for these soldiers. Notably, he wore a ring adorned with Cupid—a love symbol—to make him recognizable to the soldiers. In a precursor to modern greeting cards, he distributed paper hearts to serve as reminders for Christians of their love for God.
Thanks to this legend, Saint Valentine earned the title of the patron saint of love. The Saint Valentine prayer seeks his intercession to unite lovers, forging a bond where two become one, all while emphasizing the couple’s devotion to God.
The tale of Saint Valentine laid the foundation for framing the day as a celebration of romantic love. However, it was a poem penned by the medieval author Geoffrey Chaucer in 1375 that truly cemented the association between Saint Valentine and love. Historians recognize this poem as the origin of the “modern” celebration of Valentine’s Day, where we commemorate our romantic partnership with a significant other.
Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Chaucer’s era, the Middle Ages, embraced courtly love, a time when grand expressions of devotion through poems, songs, and paintings celebrated partnerships. By the late 15th century, the term “valentine” found its way into the romantic lexicon, describing a lover in the poems and songs of that period. In the 18th century, England saw the publication of a book titled The Young Man’s Valentine Writer. Fast forward to the mid-19th century, and the production of mass-produced paper Valentine’s Cards began, giving rise to the Valentine’s Day we recognize today.
Despite its romantic connotations, Valentine’s Day history is not devoid of tragedy. In a dark turn of events during Prohibition in Chicago on February 14, 1929, a gang organized by Al Capone orchestrated the infamous Valentine’s Day Massacre, claiming the lives of seven men. This event became a pivotal moment in Prohibition history, prompting law enforcement to intensify efforts against the gangs and mobs that had emerged in cities to control illicit substances like alcohol.
What is Galentine’s Day, and how is it related to Valentine’s Day?
Adding a modern and enjoyable twist to Valentine’s Day history, Galentine’s Day has emerged as a recent addition. This celebration, popularized by Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation, is dedicated to cherishing the friends you love. Set on February 13, it provides a perfect prelude to celebrating your significant other on the official Valentine’s Day the next day. Galentine’s Day gifts have become a delightful way to express appreciation for the people who hold special significance in your life.
Is Valentine’s Day a holiday?
Indeed, while Valentine’s Day is celebrated in diverse ways by many, it’s no longer an official Catholic holiday. Regrettably for the romantics, it doesn’t hold the status of an official bank holiday or day off. Yet, for those eager to mark the occasion, taking the day off for a special celebration with a significant other is always an option!
What is the meaning of Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day has undergone various transformations, evolving from a religious celebration to an ancient ritual day and eventually becoming a commercial holiday. With these changes, the meaning of Valentine’s Day has become highly subjective. You have the freedom to skip celebrations entirely, treat yourself to chocolate or flowers, or express love and appreciation for anyone in your life—be they co-workers, romantic partners, friends, or family members. It’s truly whatever you choose it to be!
Valentine’s Day fun facts
Impress your friends and family with these Valentine’s Day fun facts:
- The average spender on Valentine’s Day gifts allocates nearly $200, contributing to a staggering total of about $26 billion spent on Valentine’s Day gifts and goodies overall.
- During the Victorian era, valentines weren’t always sweet messages; some were used to reject suitors and were called “vinegar valentines.”
- Valentine’s Day is a prime time for proposals, making it one of the most popular days for engagements. If you got engaged between December and February, you’re in the midst of the peak proposal season.
- The color red and the heart shape made their debut in medieval art during the 14th and 15th centuries.
- Not everyone goes all out for Valentine’s Day. According to a YouGov survey, only 30% of Americans considered it a truly special occasion, with preferences leaning toward holidays like New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Labor Day, and more.
What are some fun things to do for Valentine’s Day?
Feel free to celebrate the day of love in any way you choose, even if it’s centered around self-love. Here are some inspiring ideas for you:
- Special Meal Together: Whether it’s a homemade dinner or takeout from your favorite restaurant, enjoy a shared, intimate meal.
- Cozy Movie Night: Set up a warm atmosphere for a romantic movie marathon.
- Personalized DIY Gifts: Express your creativity by making personalized, handmade gifts for your significant other.
- Outdoor Excursion: Embrace the day with a picturesque hike, bike ride, or picnic in a nearby park.
- Virtual Connection: If distance separates you, stay close through a virtual date featuring games or video calls.