Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on the 14th of February. It was officially established sometime in the 14th century, but its origins are shrouded in mystery. The day stems from Saint Valentine in the Catholic Church. However, there are many legends surrounding this saint and how the day of romance came to be.
The first legend stems from Rome during the third century when Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men so they could advance their military careers. It is rumored that St. Valentine was a priest and secretly married young couples. In consequence, he was executed by Claudius.
Another legend describes the killing of Valentine for freeing Christians from Roman persecution. If the story is correct, he fell in love with a young girl and wrote her a letter with the phrase “From your Valentine” as the signature.
Others argue that Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop and miracle worker within the Roman Empire, is the true inspiration for the day. Some even believe that it was instituted by Christians to replace the Roman holiday of fertility, Lupercalia.
Before Valentine’s Day, February was regarded as the month of love. France and Britain regarded February 14th as the start of the birds’ mating season. Additionally, the aforementioned Roman festival Lupercalia was celebrated in honor of the Roman god of agriculture and fertility Faunus. At the beginning of the 6th century, Pope Gelasius of the Roman Catholic Church decreed that the 14th would be St. Valentine’s Day. However, it took several centuries for it to be recognized as a day of love.
So in honor of St. Valentine and the millions of valentines given in the name of love, celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with a new appreciation for the holiday!
References:
“Valentine’s Day 2024: Origins, Background & Traditions.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2. Accessed 6 Feb. 2024.
“Valentine’s Day.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 2 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/topic/Valentines-Day.