Who was St. Valentine? The mysterious origins of Valentine’s Day

Ever wondered why we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Turns out the day is more than just about chocolates and flowers – here’s the story…

What's Valentine's Day about? Image: canva

Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on 14 February, is synonymous with love, romance, and heartfelt gestures. But behind the chocolates, flowers, and love hearts lies a mysterious and somewhat debated history. The origins of the day of love trace back to a blend of legend, religion, and ancient tradition, with its namesake, St. Valentine, remaining an enigmatic figure.

The many faces of St. Valentine

The identity of St. Valentine is shrouded in uncertainty, as historical records suggest that multiple individuals by this name existed in early Christianity. The Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred.

One of the most popular legends involves a Roman priest named Valentine who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century.

According to legend, Claudius outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine defied this decree by secretly performing marriages for young couples. When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and later executed on 14 February, around the year 269 AD.

Another legend suggests that while imprisoned, Valentine healed the blind daughter of his jailer and sent her a note signed “from your Valentine” before his execution – potentially giving rise to the modern tradition of sending love notes.

Pagan roots and the evolution of Valentine’s Day

Before the day became a Christian celebration, the ancient Romans held a mid-February festival called Lupercalia, which was associated with fertility and the coming of spring. This pagan festival involved sacrifices, feasts, and a matchmaking lottery where men and women were paired together.

As Christianity spread, Pope Gelasius I officially declared 14 February as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, likely in an effort to replace Lupercalia with a more religious observance.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages though, that St. Valentine became associated with romantic love, thanks in part to medieval poets like Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote about Valentine’s Day as a time when birds began choosing their mates.

The Modern celebration

Over time, V-Day evolved into a celebration of love and affection, with handwritten love notes appearing as early as the 15th century. The tradition of exchanging cards, gifts, and flowers gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, eventually becoming a global commercial holiday.