Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, celebrated across the world as a tribute to love. But where do these traditions originate, and how did Valentine’s Day begin?
The Laings Journal
The History of Valentine's Day
The Origins of Valentine’s Day
Many historians believe that the holiday traces back to a Roman priest named Valentine, who lived during the third century. At the time, Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage, believing that single men made better soldiers. Defying this decree, Valentine secretly performed weddings for young couples, keeping the spirit of love alive in ancient Rome.
Tragically, his actions were discovered, and he was sentenced to death on February 14th. According to legend, during his imprisonment, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and sent her a heartfelt letter signed “from your Valentine,” a phrase still cherished today. His devotion to love and justice has since been honored through the annual celebration of Valentine’s Day.
The Evolution of a Romantic Tradition
During the Middle Ages, February 14th was believed to mark the beginning of spring and the mating season of birds. This association with romance was popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer in his 1375 poem, Parliament of Foules:
“For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / When every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.”
By the 1400s, written Valentines began appearing, with the oldest known Valentine’s poem dating back to 1415. Charles, Duke of Orleans, composed a love letter to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. Even King Henry V was known to have enlisted a writer to craft romantic notes on his behalf.
The tradition of exchanging love tokens gained popularity in the 17th century, evolving from handwritten notes to the beautifully crafted cards and gifts we share today.
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