Updated on: 09 February, 2025 09:07 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Valentines Day, celebrated on February 14th, has a rich and complex history. Here are 5 points covering its history, significance, and reasons for celebration:
Ancient Roman Origins
Some believe Valentine's Day evolved from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a pagan celebration of fertility and purification held in mid-February. This festival involved rituals and matchmaking practices.
Saint Valentine's Legacy
The most popular theory connects the holiday to several Christian martyrs named Valentine. One legend tells of a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for soldiers, secretly performing weddings. Another story recounts Valentine healing the blind daughter of his jailer and sending her a farewell letter signed "Your Valentine."
Medieval Romance
The association of Valentine's Day with romantic love became prominent in the Middle Ages. Geoffrey Chaucer's poem "Parliament of Foules" (circa 1382) is considered one of the earliest links between Valentine's Day and courtly love.
Commercialization and Modern Traditions
Over time, Valentine's Day evolved into a commercialised celebration of love and affection. The exchange of cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts became popular, solidifying the holiday's romantic significance.
