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Unwrapping the Sweet History of Valentine's Day

Writer's picture: Erin CrokeErin Croke

Valentine's Day place setting, red napkin, gold fork, pink rose, small wrapped gift, card.

Love is in the air, and it’s that time of the year again – Valentine’s Day! But have you ever wondered how this day of romance came to be? Let’s take a delightful journey back in time and unwrap the sweet history of Valentine’s Day.


Ancient Rome sets the stage for our story, where mid-February was a time of celebration known as Lupercalia. This festival honored the Roman god of agriculture and fertility, and it involved feasting, fertility rites, and matchmaking. Picture this: young men would draw names of young women from a jar, pairing up for the duration of the festival, and often, these matches led to marriage.


Now, fast forward a bit to the 5th century A.D., and cue the entrance of Christianity onto the scene. Lupercalia was still going strong, but as the Christian faith spread, Pope Gelasius I sought to Christianize the pagan festival. He declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine. Legend has it that St. Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men, performing marriages in secret. What a romantic rebel!


As centuries passed, Valentine’s Day continued to evolve. In the Middle Ages, it became associated with courtly love, with poets like Geoffrey Chaucer and writers like William Shakespeare romanticizing the day in their works. The exchange of handmade cards and tokens of affection gained popularity during this time.


Jumping ahead to the 18th century, the tradition of exchanging Valentine’s Day cards took off in England. These cards were often adorned with lace, ribbons, and Cupid-inspired imagery, and they were exchanged by friends and lovers alike. By the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution ushered in mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards, making them more accessible to people of all social classes.


And here we are today, with Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world as a day to express love and affection for those dear to our hearts. From heartfelt handwritten notes to lavish gifts, the traditions of Valentine’s Day continue to evolve, but at its core, it remains a day to celebrate love in all its forms.


So, as you indulge in chocolates, exchange tokens of affection, or simply spend quality time with loved ones this Valentine’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the rich tapestry of history that has woven together to create this special day of love. After all, love knows no bounds – not even the confines of time.


Happy Valentine’s Day! May your day be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of sweet memories.

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