Gifts, flowers, romance, and love - Valentine's Day is right around the corner! Celebrated annually on the 14th of February, this day is a special occasion where people all over the world show love and affection to the most important people in their lives. Originating from ancient Roman times, this holiday has a rich history and holds different meanings and traditions in different cultures. But, have you ever wondered about the origins and history behind this fabled celebration of love? Let's delve into the fascinating story of Saint Valentine and how this holiday came to be.
Origins
The history of Saint Valentine's Day is somewhat shrouded in mystery and legends, but it is believed that it is named after one or more Christian martyrs named Valentine. The most popular legend is that of a priest who was executed by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus around 270 CE. The priest is said to have signed a letter to his jailer's daughter, whom he had become friends with and reportedly even healed of blindness, with the phrase "from your Valentine."
There is also another popular legend that Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, was the person for whom the holiday was named. It's possible that these two saints were actually the same person. Another widely held belief is that St. Valentine defied the emperor's orders and conducted secret marriages to save the husbands from being drafted into war. This act of bravery and devotion is why his feast day is now associated with love and romance.
Developing Customs
Valentines, or formal messages, have a long and interesting history. They first appeared in the 1500s, when people began sending written expressions of their love and affection to one another. By the late 1700s, commercially printed cards were widely used and could be easily purchased, making it easier for people to share their feelings with others. The trend of sending valentines continued to grow, and by the mid-1800s, the first commercial "valentines" were printed in the United States.
One of the most recognizable symbols of Valentine's Day is Cupid, the Roman god of love. Cupid is often depicted on valentines, along with hearts, which are traditionally seen as the seat of emotion. Hearts have come to represent love, affection, and all of the warm, fuzzy feelings associated with this special holiday.
Another iconic symbol of Valentine's Day is birds. It was thought that the avian mating season began in mid-February, so birds became a symbol of love and romance. This is why many valentines feature images of birds and other creatures, like doves and swans, which are known for their close relationships and affectionate natures.
As we all know, Valentine's Day also has a range of traditional gifts associated with it. Candy and flowers are two of the most popular, and red roses are considered particularly special. Red roses are symbols of beauty and love, and they are often given as gifts on Valentine's Day as a sign of affection and devotion. As the early modern period continued, the celebration of Saint Valentine's Day became increasingly standardised in its traditions.
Spread and Secularisation
Although it was originally a religious celebration honouring Saint Valentine, it has evolved into a secular celebration of love and affection. While the holiday has always been associated with expressions of love and romance, its evolution from a religious holiday to a secular one has been influenced by a variety of factors, including literature, art, and popular culture.
One of the key factors in the evolution of Valentine's Day was the influence of literature and art. During the Renaissance, poets and artists began to celebrate the holiday in their works, creating romantic and sentimental images of love and affection. This, in particular, helped to establish Valentine's Day as a holiday that was associated with love and romance, rather than just religious observance.
Another important factor was the spread of Valentine's Day around the world. The holiday was initially celebrated primarily in Europe, but as it became more popular, it began to be observed in other countries as well. The spread of Valentine's Day was helped along by the natural growth of globalisation, which - like with many other aspects of pop culture - made it easier for people to share cultural traditions and holidays with each other.
Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world and is a time for people to express their love and affection for each other. Whether through romantic gestures, gifts, or special outings, Valentine's Day is a time for people to celebrate the power and beauty of love. In modern times, it's even become a time for people to celebrate self-love, with many single people using it as an opportunity to treat themselves or spend time with close friends. Whether it is viewed as a religious celebration or a secular one, Valentine's Day continues to be a time of joy and happiness for millions of people all around the world.