Valentine's Day

Origins and Legends of Valentine's Day

• Celebrated annually on February 14
• Originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine
• Various martyrdom stories associated with Saint Valentines connected to February 14
• Early tradition of Saint Valentine restoring sight to the blind daughter of his jailer
• Numerous early Christian martyrs named Valentine
• Two Valentines honored on February 14: Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni
• Relics of St. Valentine were kept in the Church and Catacombs of San Valentino in Rome
• Saint Valentine was a priest of Rome who was imprisoned for helping persecuted Christians
• Contemporary records of Saint Valentine were likely destroyed during the Diocletianic Persecution
• Stories of martyrdom for Saint Valentine of Rome appeared in works like Passio Marii et Marthae and Bede's Martyrology
• Legend states that Saint Valentine was interrogated by Roman Emperor Claudius II and refused to convert to Roman paganism
• Before his execution, Saint Valentine is said to have performed a miracle by healing the blind daughter of his jailer

Valentine's Day Traditions

• Day associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries
• Became an occasion for couples to express their love through flowers, confectionery, and greeting cards
• Symbols associated with Valentine's Day include heart-shaped outline, doves, and Cupid
• Handmade cards gave way to mass-produced greetings in the 19th century

Saint Valentine in Christian Denominations

• St. Valentine's Day is recognized in various Christian denominations
• Feast day of Saint Valentine is given in the calendar of saints in the Anglican Communion
• Feast day of Saint Valentine is also celebrated in the calendar of saints of the Lutheran Church
• In the Roman Catholic Church, the feast day of Saint Valentine was relegated from the General Roman Calendar but can still be recognized optionally during mass
• In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Saint Valentine is recognized on July 6 and July 30 in honor of different saints named Valentine

Folk Traditions and Ancient Origins

• European folk traditions connected with Valentine's Day have become marginalized
• Regional customs in England, such as Jack Valentine leaving treats for children
• In Slovenia, Saint Valentine is the saint of good health and patron of beekeepers
• Proverbs and traditions linking Valentine's Day with the beginning of spring
• Valentine's Day was traditionally associated with Saint Anthony and celebrated on June 13
• Lupercalia festival in Ancient Rome observed on February 13-15
• Lupercalia had slight connection to fertility and none to love
• No historical evidence linking St. Valentine's Day to Lupercalia
• Theories about Pope Gelasius I replacing Lupercalia with the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Modern Times and Commercialization

• In the 19th century, Valentine cards became popular in England and were assembled in factories
• Paper lace and ribbons were used to create fancy Valentines, with paper lace introduced in the mid-19th century
• The reduction in postal rates and the invention of the postage stamp allowed for the anonymous exchange of Valentines
• The popularity of Valentine's Day cards led to the establishment of Cupids Manufactory, employing thousands of women
• The UK population spends a significant amount of money on Valentine's Day gifts, including cards, flowers, and chocolates
• The commercialization of Valentine's Day in the 19th century foreshadowed the commercialization of other holidays
• The rise of the internet has created new traditions, with millions of people using digital means to create and send Valentine's Day greetings
• Some consider Valentine's Day to be a commercialized holiday, similar to Halloween or Christmas.

Valentine's Day Data Sources