Valentine’s Day has its roots in both ancient Roman traditions and early Christian history. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, but there were multiple early Christian martyrs by that name, and the exact origins are unclear.
One popular legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the 3rd century who secretly married couples despite Emperor Claudius II banning marriages for young men (believing single men made better soldiers).
When Valentine was caught, he was executed on February 14. Another story claims he helped persecuted Christians and sent a letter signed "From your Valentine" before his death, inspiring the modern romantic association.
Valentine’s Day has its roots in both ancient Roman traditions and early Christian history. The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, but there were multiple early Christian martyrs by that name, and the exact origins are unclear.
One popular legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the 3rd century who secretly married couples despite Emperor Claudius II banning marriages for young men (believing single men made better soldiers).
When Valentine was caught, he was executed on February 14. Another story claims he helped persecuted Christians and sent a letter signed "From your Valentine" before his death, inspiring the modern romantic association.
By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day to replace Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival.
Over time, it evolved into a celebration of love, particularly in the Middle Ages, when courtly love became popular.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition of exchanging handwritten notes and, later, printed cards became widespread.
Today, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration of love and affection, heavily commercialized with cards, chocolates, and flowers.