A day when the world seems to wrap itself in affectionate whispers, where love takes centre stage, Valentine’s Day is a celebration observed on February 14 every year.
It’s often associated with expressions of love and affection, marked by the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts between romantic partners and also platonic friends.
From ancient Roman celebrations to the modern traditions we cherish today. Discover ten fascinating origins and evolutions that have shaped this day dedicated to love.
- Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February to honor fertility and the coming of spring.
- The association between Valentine’s Day and romantic love gained popularity in the High Middle Ages, with the notion that birds began their mating season around February 14.
- The first written Valentine’s Day greetings appeared in the 15th century, exchanged between Charles, Duke of Orleans, and his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
- In the 18th century, the tradition of exchanging handmade cards and tokens of affection on Valentine’s Day became widespread in England.
- Esther Howland, an American, is credited with popularizing mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards in the 1840s, creating a thriving industry.
- The iconic heart shape, symbolizing love and romance, is believed to have been inspired by silphium, an extinct plant used as a contraceptive in ancient times.
- Saint Valentine, the namesake of the day, is associated with various legends, one of which suggests he performed marriages for soldiers forbidden to wed by Roman authorities.
- The oldest known Valentine’s Day poem was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt.
- In Japan, it’s customary for women to give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day, and men reciprocate on White Day, celebrated on March 14.
- The city of Verona in Italy, known for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” receives thousands of letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day.
As we conclude this journey through the intriguing history of Valentine’s Day, it’s clear that this celebration has woven its romantic threads through centuries.
From ancient rituals to modern expressions of affection, the essence of love persists, making February 14th a timeless celebration. May these historical insights add depth to your appreciation of this cherished day devoted to matters of the heart.