As February unfolds, hearts adorned with crimson hues, bouquets of fragrant roses, and the sweet melodies of affectionate whispers fill the air. (Though to many like us it makes us retch) It’s that time of the year yet again when love of all manners takes center stage. Valentine’s Day, a celebration cherished globally, beckons romantic souls to express their ardor. But beyond the exchange of chocolates and heartfelt sentiments lies a rich tapestry of history woven with tales of passion, sacrifice, and devotion. Valentine’s Day Origin has had such a different meaning but the meaning to what is now has been many for a lot of people since.
Ancient Roman Beginnings
Valentine’s Day Origins trace back to ancient Rome, where mid-February marked the beginning of the Lupercalia festival. This fertility celebration, dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, the legendary mythological founder brothers of Rome, was a time of revelry and purification. During Lupercalia, young men would draw names of women from a jar, forming temporary romantic pairings.
The Martyrdom of Saint Valentine
The association of Valentine’s Day with romance gained momentum during the early Christian era with the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. Multiple accounts exist about Saint Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s decree forbidding young men from marrying, believing single men made better soldiers. Thus they’d have to fight with nothing obligating them.
Valentine continued to perform marriages with young couples in secret until his actions were discovered and he was sentenced to death. Legend has it that while imprisoned, Valentine sent a letter signed “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended, cementing the tradition of sending love letters on this day. However, like all legends, it is a combination of many and a sprinkle of the truth.
Chaucer’s Influence
The romantic essence of Valentine’s Day blossomed further in the Middle Ages, particularly with the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet. If you don’t know who is Chaucer, he is the author of the Canterbury tales. One of the most immaculate works in the English language.
In his poem “Parliament of Foules,” Chaucer linked the tradition of courtly love with February 14th, describing it as the day when birds choose their mates. This association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love began to take root in popular culture, spreading throughout Europe. The work was made around 1380 so that’s about some 600 years ago!
Commercialization and Modern Traditions
By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten notes, known as valentines, became popular among lovers and socialites. These sentiments evolved into elaborate cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and romantic verses during the Victorian era. Of course, this led way to scandal that turned sensational which people just ate up all too well.
The introduction of mass-produced Valentine cards in the 19th century further popularized the tradition, leading to the commercialization of Valentine’s Day that we recognize today. And it is everywhere from your department store, grocery store, your office, and even your home now.
Limerance: the state of being obsessively infatuated with someone, usually accompanied by delusions of or a desire for an intense romantic relationship with that person
Global Celebrations
Valentine’s Day has transcended cultural boundaries and is celebrated worldwide with varying customs and traditions. In Japan, it’s customary for women to give chocolates to men on February 14th, with men reciprocating a month later on White Day. In South Korea, each month features a day dedicated to love and romance, with Valentine’s Day being one of them.
As we bask in the warmth of love and affection on Valentine’s Day, let us not forget the rich history and diverse cultural influences that have shaped this celebration that caused so much joy and yet grief to every person.
Valentine’s Day Origins and the Love it Spreads
From ancient Roman festivals to the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, and the poetic musings of Geoffrey Chaucer in Medieval Europe, each chapter adds depth to the theme of love’s enduring legacy. Whether exchanging heartfelt gestures or simply reveling in the company of loved ones, Valentine’s Day serves as a timeless reminder of the power of love to unite hearts across the ages.
