Valentine's Day: The History and Interesting Facts About the Most Romantic Holiday

On this day, it is customary to give valentines, flowers, sweets, and gifts to express feelings for a loved one. But have you ever wondered how this holiday came about? In this article, we explore the origins of Valentine's Day and share some interesting facts associated with it.

The Origins of Valentine's Day

The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in mystery and myths. According to one legend, the holiday traces its roots back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held annually in mid-February. This festival was dedicated to purification, fertility, and protection from evil spirits.

How Did Lupercalia Take Place?

• Animal Sacrifices: The festival began with the sacrifice of goats and dogs. Goats symbolized fertility, while dogs represented purity and protection.
• Ritual Blood Application: Young priests, known as "luperci," smeared their foreheads with the blood of the sacrificed animals, then washed it off with milk. This ritual symbolized purification and renewal of energy.
• Leather Whips: Leather whips made from goat skins were used by the priests to lightly strike women, symbolizing fertility, and the earth, in hopes of making it more fruitful.
• The “Love Lottery”: One of the most interesting rituals involved men and women writing their names on tablets and drawing lots. Often, these couples remained together even after the festival ended.
• Lupercalia was known for its liberation and pagan nature. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I banned it, replacing it with St. Valentine's Day — a holiday that emphasized Christian values of love and devotion.

Who Was Saint Valentine?

The Catholic Church recognizes several martyrs named Valentine. One of them, according to legends, was a priest who lived during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. The emperor believed that unmarried men were better suited for military service and banned marriages for young soldiers. However, Priest Valentine, believing in love, secretly married couples. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and sentenced to death.

Another legend suggests that during his imprisonment, Valentine healed the jailer's daughter and left her a note signed: "Your Valentine." This story laid the foundation for the tradition of sending valentines.

How Did Valentine's Day Become a Celebration of Love?

In the Middle Ages, the holiday began to be associated with romance. In France and England, it was believed that February 14th was the day when birds chose their mates. This association added symbolism to the day, which gradually became a celebration of love.

By the 18th century, it became customary in England to give small gifts and handwritten notes to friends and loved ones. Later, this evolved into the mass production of cards and gifts, laying the foundation for modern traditions.
Valentine's Day: Interesting Facts

• In Japan, it is customary for women to give men chocolates on Valentine's Day: "giri-choco" (obligatory chocolates for colleagues and friends) and "honmei-choco" (chocolates for a loved one).
• In the U.S., chocolate and candy sales for Valentine's Day surged several times in 2023.
• Valentine's Day often features images of various birds, such as doves, swallows, and sparrows. This refers to the tradition that birds choose their mates on this day, symbolizing the beginning of the romantic season.
• Red roses are one of the traditional gifts for women on this day, symbolizing love and romance.
• With the rise of technology, virtual valentines have become more popular, with people sending them via messaging apps.

In recent years, influencers have increasingly conveyed the message: "Love yourself first." Even if you don't have a partner at this time, treat yourself to a celebration: go for spa treatments or buy yourself a gift.