Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14 as a day dedicated to love, affection and romantic expression around the world. While many people now associate the holiday with cards, flowers and gifts, its origins stretch back centuries and are wrapped in a mix of history, legend and tradition that have evolved over time.
Historians believe that Valentine’s Day originated from ancient Roman festivals such as Lupercalia, a spring celebration held in mid-February, which featured rituals meant to encourage fertility and partnership. As Christianity spread across the Roman Empire, some of these traditions were adapted to align with the church’s calendar and beliefs — including the commemoration of early Christian martyrs named Valentine.
One of the most popular legends tells the story of Saint Valentine, a priest who lived during the 3rd century. According to the tale, he performed secret marriages for young couples at a time when the Roman emperor Claudius II had banned marriages for soldiers, believing that unmarried men made better warriors. Valentine’s defiance in defending love earned him admiration and later sainthood, even though he was ultimately arrested and executed.
Valentine’s Day became associated with romance in part because of this narrative and also through the influence of medieval poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer, who wrote about Valentine’s Day as a moment when birds and humans alike paired for love. By the Middle Ages, the tradition of expressing affection in written form began to grow, with lovers exchanging handwritten notes or messages of admiration.
The custom of sending valentines — cards, letters or tokens expressing love — became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries, especially in Britain and later in other parts of the world. With the invention of the printing press and industrialisation, printed cards became widely available and affordable, helping to popularise Valentine’s Day as a mass-market occasion for celebration.
In modern times, Valentine’s Day has taken on a global character. It is celebrated in many countries by people of all ages, not only by couples but also by friends and family members who use the occasion to show appreciation for one another. Common gifts include flowers, particularly red roses symbolising love, chocolates, jewellery and romantic dinners.
Despite its widespread popularity, Valentine’s Day also draws criticism from some who feel it can be overly commercialised or put undue pressure on people in relationships. Nevertheless, it remains a significant cultural event that prompts reflection on love, connection and appreciation in personal relationships.
