Valentine's Day - an annual celebration of love, chocolate, flowers, and, of course, jewelry (our personal favorite). This beloved tradition has a fascinating history that deserves to be shared. The origins of this romantic holiday can be traced back to the Roman Empire, revealing a rich and somewhat dark past.
The holiday's roots lie in an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia. This festival celebrated the arrival of spring and included a matchmaking ritual for young men and women. Eventually, Pope Gelasius replaced the Roman festival with St. Valentine's Day, transforming it into the day of romance we know today.
But why St. Valentine? Several legends explain the connection between February 14th and this day of love and affection. One compelling story revolves around St. Valentine, who achieved sainthood after defying Roman Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius Gothicus. Claudius II had outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers for his powerful military empire. Valentine, a priest, chose to intervene by secretly performing marriages for young couples. When his actions were discovered, Valentine was sentenced to death. His bravery in the face of injustice led to him being named the patron saint of lovers, and thus, we celebrate St. Valentine's Day.
St. Valentine's courage paved the way for a day of love and romance that has spread globally. Americans began exchanging valentine greetings as early as the 1700s. Today, countries such as Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia also celebrate Valentine's Day. The holiday has become so popular that an estimated 145 million Valentine's Day cards are sent annually, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday of the year, surpassed only by Christmas.
Sources:
Article Title: History of Valentine's Day
Author: History.com Editors
Website: HISTORY
URL: https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
Access Date: January 27, 2020
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: August 29, 2019
Original Published Date: December 22, 2009
Article Title: Valentine's Day
Author: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Website: Encyclopedia Britannica