Chandigarh, 14 February 2025: Valentine’s Day is widely associated with romance, roses, and heartfelt gestures, but its origins are deeply rooted in ancient Roman traditions and Christian martyrdom. The day wasn’t linked to love until the 14th century, and its history reveals a fascinating evolution of customs and beliefs.
Two Saints Named Valentine
The celebration traces back to two different figures—St. Valentine of Rome and St. Valentine of Terni—both martyred for their defiance. St. Valentine of Rome, a priest in the third century, secretly performed marriages after Emperor Claudius II banned them for young men, believing single men made better soldiers. Discovered and imprisoned, he allegedly sent the first “Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter before his execution.
Pagan Roots of Valentine’s Day
Long before it became a day of love, Valentine’s Day had ties to Lupercalia, a fertility festival observed on February 15 in ancient Rome. Priests sacrificed a goat for fertility and a dog for purification, followed by a matchmaking tradition where young women placed their names in an urn for bachelors to select. Many of these pairings led to marriage.
Cupid’s Origins in Greek Mythology
Cupid, the cherubic symbol of Valentine’s Day, stems from Eros, the Greek god of love. Ancient poets described him as a striking young man who could make both mortals and gods fall deeply in love with golden arrows. By the 19th century, he evolved into the mischievous, chubby figure seen on greeting cards today.
Flowers as Love’s Messenger
The tradition of gifting flowers can be traced to the 17th century. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, wife of the British ambassador to Turkey, mistakenly believed that floral arrangements contained hidden messages. This misconception spread through Europe, popularizing the language of flowers, with roses becoming a universal symbol of romance.
Roses Are Imported for Valentine’s Day
Despite their association with February 14, roses don’t bloom naturally in the U.S. during the month. Each year, nearly 250 million roses are imported from warmer climates like Ecuador, Kenya, and Colombia to meet demand.
A Boom in Valentine’s Day Cards
Since 1913, Hallmark has played a key role in the holiday’s commercial success. Today, Americans exchange approximately 145 million Valentine’s Day cards annually, making it the second-largest card-giving occasion after Christmas.
Early Guides to Love Letters
Before the internet, love-struck individuals relied on published booklets for inspiration. In the 18th and 19th centuries, these booklets featured poems, witty social satires, and occupation-themed Valentines, shaping how people expressed affection through words.
The Heart-Shaped Chocolate Box’s Origin
The modern association of chocolates with Valentine’s Day dates back to 1861, when Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped box to boost sales. Today, Cadbury produces nearly 36 million of these boxes annually.
Candy Hearts Were Once Medicine
The conversation hearts exchanged today originated from medicinal lozenges. In the 19th century, Boston pharmacist Oliver Chase created a machine that transformed lozenges into candies, leading to the foundation of the New England Confectionery Company (Necco). The iconic hearts, stamped with phrases like “Be Mine” and “True Love,” have a five-year shelf life.
XOXO’s Medieval Meaning
The well-known symbol for hugs and kisses, “XOXO,” has roots in the Middle Ages. The letter “X” represented a Christian cross, often used in place of a signature, while sealing letters with a kiss signified sincerity and devotion. Over time, the practice evolved into the affectionate sign-off known today.
Lovebirds Are Real
Beyond being a romantic term, lovebirds are an actual species of small parrots from Africa. Known for forming lifelong bonds, these birds inspired the term’s association with deep romantic connections.
Singles Have Their Own Celebration
Not everyone sees February 14 as a day for couples. Since 2003, International Quirkyalone Day has provided an alternative, celebrating self-love and non-romantic relationships.
Valentine’s Day has transformed over centuries, drawing from history, mythology, and cultural shifts. Whether celebrating with a loved one, friends, or alone, the day carries a legacy that extends far beyond romance.
