History of Valentine’s Day

Is that love in the air? Valentine’s Day has come and gone once again. As the calendar page flipped to February, it was time for couples to express their gratitude with one another through the act of gift-giving. The Valentine’s Day, as the world knows it, is a generally positive holiday recognized for its theme of appreciating one another; however, the holiday actually has some not-so-positive relations stemming from Christianity and ancient Roman beliefs.

The history of Valentine’s Day is, unfortunately, extremely indistinct, as there are numerous legends and stories surrounding the holiday. In regards to Christianity, there are multiple saints associated with the name “Valentine” or “Valentinus.” One story involves a Valentine that was a priest who organized marriages in secret due to the fact that Emperor Claudius the Second declared that single men made stronger warriors. Valentine, after being discovered of his crimes, would be executed.

Another legend suggests that Valentine was executed for facilitating the process of escaping for Christians in Roman prisons, where harsh punishments were common. Additionally, a story suggests that Valentine was actually incarcerated and sent the first “valentine” greeting while jailed. Allegedly, he signed a letter that he sent to a girl who visited him at his confinement with “From your Valentine.” Sounds familiar? It is a salutation still in use even in modern day for love letters and appreciation cards alike.

Moreover, the holiday was also derived from another pagan festival in Rome, Lupercalia. Lupercalia was celebrated on February 15th: a holiday meant to celebrate fertility and the god of Agriculture Faunus along with Rome’s founders. Later, in the 5th century, the tradition would be altered to be celebrated on the 14th and renamed as St. Valentine’s Day by Pope Gelasius due to Lupercalia being unaligned with Christian beliefs. Then, in the Middle Ages, the holiday would begin truly associating with the concept of love. On February 14th, it was widely believed that birds would begin mating around that time, kick-starting the idea that St. Valentine’s Day should be treated as a day for love and appreciation.

In conclusion, while the exact roots of Valentine’s Day is unknown, each legend seems to carry the same idea of love and fidelity that modern Valentine’s Day still celebrates and encourages. To those who are not fortunate enough to celebrate the holiday in its fullness this year: Do not worry too much at least. After all, there is always next year!

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