Celebrated annually on February 14, Valentine’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Valentine or Saint Valentine’s Day, has its roots as a Christian feast honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.
Over time, this holiday has come to hold significance in many parts of the world, both culturally, religiously, and commercially as a celebration of love and romance.
Many tales of martyrdom are linked to various Valentines on February 14th, including the story of Saint Valentine of Rome who was jailed for aiding persecuted Christians under the Roman Empire in the third century.
According to an old story, Saint Valentine helped the blind daughter of his jailer to regain her sight. This tale has been adapted over the years to become more associated with the theme of love.
An 18th–century addition to the legend states that before his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a letter to the jailer‘s daughter, signing it “Your Valentine“.
Another tradition suggests that he married Christian soldiers who were not allowed to wed.
The Gelasian Sacramentary of the 8th century documented the observance of the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, this day became linked with romantic love, likely due to its coincidence with the start of springtime, when many birds (lovingly referred to as “lovebirds“) begin to pair up.
During the 18th century in England, Valentine‘s Day emerged as a holiday in which couples would express their love for each other.
Gifts such as flowers, candy, and greeting cards (called “valentines“) were exchanged. Popular symbols of the day include hearts, doves, and the image of the god Cupid with wings.
Handcrafted Valentines have been replaced by mass–produced greeting cards since the 19th century. In Italy, Saint Valentine‘s Keys are presented to both lovers “as a sign of romance and an open door to the heart of the giver“ as well as to kids to prevent epilepsy (which is referred to as Saint Valentine‘s Malady).
Saint Valentine‘s Day is not recognized as a public holiday in any country, though it is acknowledged as an official feast day in the Anglican Communion and the Lutheran Church.
In some parts of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Saint Valentine‘s Day is celebrated on July 6 in honor of Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and on July 30 in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni).
Whichever stories you choose to believe, be sure not to forget the holiday or your significant other will surely let you know.
