History of Valentine’s Day: Origin, significance and celebration

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Valentine’s Day – the day of love (Source: Collected)

Valentine’s Day, the day of love, is one of the most welcomed holidays in a year. However, the history of Valentine’s Day is not a common thing that everyone knows well. Why do we celebrate this day? Where does this tradition come from? All will be revealed below.

1. A brief history of Valentine’s Day on 14 February

1.1. The history behind Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, occurs on February 14 annually. It is a day when lovers send each other cards and gifts to show how much they care and love. The purpose of this occasion has also expanded to emphasize love between family members and friends.

This holiday is named after Saint Valentine – a saint in both Roman and Catholic cultures. But who is St. Valentine and why is his name associated with this special day of love? Following is a brief history of Valentine’s Day.

The origin of Valentine’s Day is uncertain. There are at least 3 saints with the names of Valentine or Valentinus revered by the Catholic Church. One narrative states that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome in the third century. During that time, Emperor Claudius II forbade young men from getting married, as he believed that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and kids. Realizing the injustice of this law, Valentine defied Claudius and proceeded to secretly organize weddings for young lovers. When Valentine’s deeds were found out, Claudius ordered him executed. Meanwhile, others assert that the bishop Saint Valentine of Terni is the actual saint in the history of Valentine’s Day. This priest was also beheaded by Claudius outside Rome.

Saint Valentine – the figure appearing in almost all versions of the history of Valentine’s Day (Source: Collected)

According to other legends, Valentine may have been murdered for trying to aid Christians in escaping brutal Roman jails, where they were frequently beaten and tortured. One story claims that there was a prisoner named Valentine who fell in love with a young girl who often visited him and may have been his jailor’s daughter, and that he sent the first “valentine” message to her himself. It is believed that the expression “from your valentine” that is commonly used nowadays first appeared in Valentine’s letter to the girl before he passed away. 

Despite the ambiguity surrounding Valentine and the real history of Valentine’s Day, they all highlight his appeal as a sympathetic, courageous, and romantic figure.

1.2. Origin of Valentine’s Day – a February pagan ritual

While some think that Valentine’s Day occurs in the middle of February to mark the anniversary of Valentine’s passing or burial, others assert that the Christian Church may have chosen to do so in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a fertility festival honoring the Roman founding fathers Romulus, Remus, and Faunus, and held on the ides of February, or February 15.

According to the history of Valentine’s Day, to kick off the festival, the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave. This was where a she-wolf, or lupa, took care of the infants Romulus and Remus. The priests would sacrifice a goat and a dog. The goat’s hide would then be torn into strips, dipped in the sacrificial blood, and carried through the streets to be gently slapped against both ladies and crop fields. It was thought that by doing this, Roman women would become more fertile the following year.

Originally, Valentine’s Day was a pagan ritual (Source: Collected)

Legend has it that all the city’s young women would place their names in a large urn later in the day. Each bachelor in the city would select a name and be partnered for one year with his preferred woman. The majority of these pairings led to marriage.

2. The significance of Valentine’s Day to couples

No matter what the real origin and history of Valentine’s Day are, this occasion has long been one of the most welcomed and observed celebrations during the year in western countries. The holiday is now popular in Asian countries, also. Nowadays, not only Christians but also non-Christians consider February 14 as a significant day to spend their time with their loved ones. 

By the late 19th century, the significance of Valentine’s Day was restricted to romantic couples, who often exchanged love letters, poems, or gifts on that day. It was not until the end of the 19th century that this tradition partly changed. Valentine’s Day also became a day for people to show their love and appreciation to all the people who had a special place in their life.

Lovers exchange letters and gifts on Valentine’s Day (Source: Collected)

Today, Valentine’s Day is seen as an occasion to honor all admirable human relationships. People can say to their friends, parents, siblings, teachers, or anyone special to them “Happy Valentine’s Day”.

Still, Valentine’s Day is the most significant to couples, especially young ones. Young couples often prepare for this spectacular celebration days before. Hearts, roses, and Cupid – the symbols of romance – are displayed in stores that sell cards, flowers, and other romantic items. Jewelers try to entice customers with alluring designs and eye-catching products.

In parks and restaurants, it is common to see couples holding hands on this day. Several hotels and bars also organize special Valentine’s Day events. Many people choose to take a romantic vacation with their loved one to celebrate the day. 

3. How is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world?

The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to so long ago and this day has always been merrily celebrated worldwide. However, different from what you might suppose, this day is not all about flowers and gifts. Each country and region has its own way to commemorate this occasion. Below are the traditions and highlights of Valentine’s Day in some typical countries: 

3.1. Valentine’s Day in Japan

Even though eastern cultures have nothing to do with the history of Valentine’s Day, February 14 is still a popular occasion in these countries, especially Japan. However, in Japan, the story of Valentine’s Day and how the locals celebrate this day are a little different compared to other countries. Men are typically expected to do very little on the day, while women are supposed to be the gift-givers.

Valentine’s Day and White Day in Japan (Source: Collected)

Another notable difference is the types of gifts. While cards, flowers, jewelry, or pricey dinners are preferred as Valentine’s Day gifts in other countries, Japan favors chocolate. 

Since men do not have to spend money on February 14, a “White Day” on March 14 is implemented for them to “respond” to what they receive on Valentine’s Day. On this day, men are supposed to give girls gifts that are typically two or three times as expensive as those they got a month earlier. Offering the same quantity of chocolate they received is interpreted as an indication that they want to end the relationship, while giving no gifts at all is seen as a scornful rejection.

3.2. Valentin Village in France

According to the history of Valentine’s Day, the first Valentine’s Day card was created in France in 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote love letters to his wife while being imprisoned. 

France is known for its fine dining, iconic landmarks, and of course, Paris, which many people believe to be the most romantic city in the world. It is a place where starry-eyed lovers can stroll hand-in-hand down the Seine River or spend all day in a French café. 

The majority of French people who celebrate this day in honor of love just spend their time together. This could involve going out for dinner, taking a romantic getaway, or just exchanging a small gift. 

Valentine’s Day seems to be quite lowkey in this country of love. However, there is one place in France that becomes special on this occasion – the “St. Valentin Village”. This village is the epicenter of love and affection between February 12 and 14. Even the toughest hearts would be softened when they see how many red roses are used to embellish the village during the occasion. 

St. Valentin Village in France (Source: Collected)

3.3. Valentine’s Day in Denmark

While food and flowers are among the more popular gifts on Valentine’s Day in other countries, the people of Denmark have a distinctive custom of sending gaekkebrev, or “joke letters,” to their loved ones. The majority of gaekkebrev are handwritten original poems or rhymes that are meticulously decorated. Snowdrops, or spring flowers, are typically enclosed with the letters.

According to the history of Valentine’s Day in Denmark, the gaekkebrev giving custom originated in the 18th century. The sender’s signature is what adds the “joke” to the gaekkebrev, which is the number of dots according to the number of letters of the sender’s name. On Easter Sunday, if the recipient correctly identifies who sent the letter, they will receive an Easter egg. If not, the egg will be owed to the sender, whose identity is made clear.

3.4. Trifon Zarezan Day in Bulgaria

While lovers worldwide celebrate Valentine’s Day as the day of love, it is overshadowed by wine in Bulgaria, where this day is called Trifon Zarezan Day. 

Beginning in early February, vineyards that wind their way across the Bulgarian countryside begin to have their extra branches trimmed. A Christian priest will bless the vineyards as part of the ritual, as Saint Trifon is honored as the protector of all winemakers and vineyards. The feast starts when the ritual is completed, and the workers who trimmed the vines are rewarded with meat, cheeses, and wine.

Trifon Zarezan Day in Bulgaria (Source: NurPhoto)

The history of Trifon Zarezan Day in Bulgaria is long-rooted, and so is the history of Valentine’s Day. Now, February 14 is a day to celebrate both occasions in this country. 

3.5. Valentine’s Day in Slovenia – St. Gregory’s Day

In Slovenia, there are two Valentine’s Days – one on February 14 and one on March 12 (St. Gregory’s Day). According to history, St. Gregory’s Day is the more popular Valentine’s Day in Slovenia. It is also believed to be the starting day of spring in this country. 

On this day, people hung baked delicacies in bushes and trees. Another old tradition involved young girls looking up at the sky to determine the kind of husband they would choose based on the first bird they saw.

However, there is literally only one custom that is still being practiced: lights are floated down rivers and other bodies of water, as this was the day on which Saint Gregory tosses the light into the water.

4. What are the most popular activities on Valentine’s Day?

The history of Valentine’s Day may be uncertain, but what to do on this special occasion has always been clear. While chocolate and rose bouquets make for a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift, spending time with your significant other is the best option. Below are some suggestions on how to spend your romantic day together:

4.1. A home-cooked dinner

Going out to a crowded restaurant can be considerably less romantic than making a special meal at home. Even if one of you lacks chef-caliber abilities, you can still make a memorable meal that both you and your partner will appreciate. Pour some wine, turn on the music, and enjoy the night.

Cooking dinner with your partner is a romantic activity for Valentine’s Day (Source: Collected)

4.2. A fun crafting time together

It is also an interesting experience to be creative and make some crafts with your loved one at home during Valentine’s Day. Think about creating an art piece you can display inside your home or making a unique picture frame for your favorite picture. 

A scrapbook of your relationship is another great choice. You can make a lovely book that you and your partner will treasure by collecting old receipts, ticket stubs, and photos of you two.

4.3. Love letters to your beloved

If you have never done this before, Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to write down the reasons why your loved one means so much to you. Tell them what you like about them, how they make you feel, and the reasons you fell in love with them. As long as they love you, this letter will definitely melt their heart, no matter how modest it is. 

4.4. Watching romantic movies

Grab the popcorn and enjoy the romantic movie together

Another good way to enjoy the day of love is to enjoy a romantic movie together. There is a long list of classic romantic or rom-com movies to choose from, such as The Notebook, Titanic, Call Me By Your Name, Bridget Jones’s Diary, In The Mood For Love, If Beale Street Could Talk, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, etc. 

4.5. A romantic journey abroad

If you have ample money, think about spending your sweet days together on a romantic trip to other countries. Aside from popular destinations such as France and Italy, Asian destinations like Vietnam are also worth visiting. Whether you are seeking a retreat in a winter wonderland or pristine beach, Vietnam will be the right place to go. 

With quintessential spots such as Halong Bay, Sapa, Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, this S-shaped country is the perfect land for a romantic escape. These destinations not only possess awe-inspiring nature but also offer a wide range of entertainment and relaxation venues. The accommodation system at Vietnam’s top destinations for Valentine’s Day is also superb.

Vietnam – an appealing destination for romantic holidays

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A huge amusement park of VinWonders in Vietnam

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Although the history of Valentine’s Day is unclear, it has become the most awaited occasion of lovers worldwide. Whether you are single or already in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is a joyful celebration that you should never miss out on. 

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