The History of Valentine’s Day

Written by Emma So

Some love it, others hate it. But there is no denying that Valentine’s day can be a very emotional one. A day filled with chocolate, greeting cards, and the occasional breakup, this worldwide celebration is a well-known date. But how did the day filled with hugs, kisses, and the incredibly delicious chocolate come to be what we know today?

Today’s tradition is a mix of Roman and Christan traditions. It turns out, no one knows who the true St. Valentine is. At least, not the one who the holiday is named after since the church does recognize a total of 3 St. Valentines. One legend suggests that in the third century when Emperor Claudius 11 decided to outlaw young marriages, Valentine – a priest – saw this as an injustice and continued to marry young lovers in secret. When the Emperor found out, Valentine was put to death. Others believe that it was St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the namesake of the holiday. He too was beheaded by Claudius 11 outside Rome. The last legend suggests that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, in the process sending them ‘Valentines,’ or love notes, to help their morale. Although many stories surrounding Valentine were murky, every story emphasized his sympathetic, heroic, and romantic figure.

Another question proposed is why Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of the month. While some believe that it is celebrated on the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial, others point to the Romans. They claim that the Christan church decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day on the pagan celebration of Lupercalia – a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to Rome’s founders Romulus and Remus – in an attempt to further Christianize Rome. Lupercalia was eventually outlawed, as it was considered “un-Christan” at the end of the 5th century, leading to the declaration of February 14th as St. Valentine’s day.

But how did a feast turn into a day filled with cards professing one’s love and chocolates? It wasn’t until the middle ages that the idea of love was added to the day. A common belief in France and England was that February 14th was the beginning of bird mating season, leading many to associate St. Valentine’s day with a day of romance.

Like anything in history, people may have differing opinions on the subject and history itself is always evolving. Valentine’s day, although filled with love and chocolate (for some) seems to take on a mysterious angle in its origins, continuing to intrigue many and give a new angle about what it means to ‘have a Valentine’.

Happy Valentine’s day Titans!

Sources:

https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2