Who was St. Valentine and why does this day celebrate love?

As February is upon us, love is in the air, and the world prepares to celebrate the most romantic day of the year – St. Valentine’s Day. While this day has become synonymous with love and affection, its origins are shrouded in the mists of time. Join us on a journey back in history as we unravel the captivating story behind the creation of St. Valentine’s Day.

The Legend of St. Valentine:

The true origins of St. Valentine’s Day are intertwined with the life and legends surrounding St. Valentine, a Christian martyr from ancient Rome. The Catholic Church recognises several saints named Valentine, but the most commonly associated figure with the holiday is St. Valentine of Rome.

One popular legend suggests that during the third century AD, Emperor Claudius II imposed a ban on marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, a priest at the time, defied this decree and continued to perform marriages for young couples in secret. Eventually discovered, he was sentenced to death for his actions. Before his execution, it is said that St. Valentine sent a love note to the jailer’s daughter, with whom he had formed a close bond during his imprisonment, signing it “from your Valentine.” This touching gesture is believed to be the origin of the modern-day tradition of exchanging love notes on Valentine’s Day.

Another legend associates St. Valentine with acts of kindness and compassion towards Christians persecuted under Roman rule. Despite the lack of historical records detailing the life of St. Valentine, these tales of love, sacrifice, and defiance against unjust laws have contributed to the saint’s association with the celebration of love.

Feast of Lupercalia:

Before St. Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love, ancient Rome celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia in mid-February. This pagan festival, dedicated to fertility and the coming of spring, involved rituals and ceremonies to purify the city and promote health and fertility.

During Lupercalia, young men would draw the names of young women from a jar, forming temporary couples for the duration of the festival, and often leading to long-term relationships. While Lupercalia and St. Valentine’s Day are distinct celebrations, the proximity of their dates may have contributed to the assimilation of certain traditions.

Evolution of St. Valentine’s Day:

St. Valentine’s Day gradually evolved from a Christian feast day to a celebration of romantic love in the Middle Ages. Poets and writers of the time, including Geoffrey Chaucer, romanticized the idea of courtly love, further linking the day with expressions of affection and admiration.

By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten notes, known as valentines, had become a popular practice among lovers. The Industrial Revolution and advancements in printing technology facilitated the mass production of valentines, making them more accessible to the general public.

Modern Celebrations:

Today, St. Valentine’s Day is a global celebration of love and affection. People exchange cards, flowers, and gifts with their loved ones, and romantic gestures abound. The holiday has expanded beyond romantic relationships to include expressions of love for friends and family.

While the precise origins of St. Valentine’s Day remain elusive, the enduring legends and traditions associated with the day have made it a cherished celebration of love. From the courageous acts of St. Valentine to the romantic customs of medieval poets, the evolution of this holiday reflects the timeless human desire to express and celebrate the most powerful and enduring emotion – love.

If you’re looking for inspiration for a special gift for someone you care about this Valentine’s day, check out our range here.