By Valentine’s Day, a beloved holiday that is celebrated annually on February 14, has become synonymous with love and romance. However, its history reveals a journey that intertwines ancient traditions, religious observances, and modern commercialism.
The roots of Valentine’s Day trace back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration held in mid-February to mark the coming of spring. According to History.com, as Christianity spread across the Roman Empire, Lupercalia was eventually replaced by a holiday honoring Saint Valentine.
There are several accounts of who Saint Valentine was. The most popular story suggests he was a Roman priest in the third century who defied Emperor Claudius II’s orders by secretly marrying couples.
Valentine’s actions, which prioritized love and commitment, led to his arrest and eventual execution on February 14.
Today, Saint Valentine is remembered as a martyr for love.
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had evolved into a day associated with love, particularly in England and France. As centuries passed, Valentine’s Day gained popularity across Europe, with people exchanging handwritten notes and tokens of affection.
By the 19th century, the tradition had spread to America.
With the rise of industrialization, the production of printed Valentine’s cards became common, turning the holiday into a commercial phenomenon. Today, it generates billions of dollars in spending on cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts.
Despite its commercialization, Valentine’s Day remains a cherished occasion for people worldwide. Whether through grand gestures or simple acts of kindness, the holiday continues to celebrate love in its many forms.
“I always have loved Valentine’s Day because every Valentine’s Day my dad gets me and my sister’s chocolate-covered strawberries every year- whether or not we have a significant other!” said senior Nursing major, Jaymee Sheridan from Helena.
