Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day began and why we celebrate it the way we do today? On February 14th, people around the world exchange gifts such as flowers, candy, and heartfelt notes, celebrating love with their partners. While today’s holiday is filled with hearts and roses, Valentine’s Day actually dates back almost two thousand years to ancient Rome. This holiday has evolved from blending Roman traditions, medieval poetry, and Christian legends.
The story begins with Saint Valentine, a figure who is much disputed. One of the most well known legends connected to Saint Valentine describes a Roman priest living under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Gothicus, who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single soldiers fought more effectively in battle. According to legend, Valentine defied this law by secretly officiating marriages for couples in love. When he was discovered, he was imprisoned and executed. Though historians question the validity of this story, these legends portray Valentine as a brave and devoted figure who saved loving couples. Adding to the confusion, the Catholic Church recognizes many people who were killed because of their beliefs named Valentine who lived during the third century A.D, making it difficult to determine which individual the holiday truly honors.
Over time, Valentine’s day has lost much of its historical significance and has transformed into a lighthearted celebration of love. In the eighteenth century, the tradition shifted from poetry writing to exchanging flowers, candy, and handmade letters, leading to the rise in card making. Industrialization and the invention of the postage stamp additionally led people to exchange cards for Valentine’s Day. Today, the holiday has become increasingly commercialized and materialistic, with romantic dinners and gift-giving now being an expectation for partners. Symbols like the heart, cupid, teddy bears, roses, chocolates and the colors pink and red are now associated with this day as well. High school junior Leanna White said “It’s crazy how Valentine’s Day has changed so drastically. The holiday today looks so different than when it originated.”
This holiday is also celebrated in a variety of ways across the world. Parts of Asia, Latin America, and Europe also participate in this holiday. Some countries interpret the holiday differently; Finland and Estonia look at it as a day of friendship instead of romantic love. Similarly, many Latin American countries view the holiday as a day of both love and friendship, celebrating the romantic and platonic aspects of love. Glen Rock High School student Zachary Greenberg stated, “I had no idea how Valentine’s day is celebrated in different ways all around the world.”
While the meaning behind the holiday and the way it is celebrated around the world has changed, the underlying purpose remains the same: Valentine’s day is about celebrating love.
