The story behind Valentine’s Day celebration

Happy Valentine’s Day to our readers…

|Published 11:30 AM ET, Friday February 14, 2025|

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14, has a rich history that blends ancient traditions, Christian legends, and modern customs.

Origins in Ancient Rome

The roots of Valentine’s Day trace back to Lupercalia, a Roman pagan festival held in mid-February to celebrate fertility and the coming of spring. The festival involved animal sacrifices, feasting, and rituals where men and women were paired together.

Saint Valentine and Christian Influence

The holiday became associated with St. Valentine, but there are multiple stories about who he was:

1. Valentine the Priest – A Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on young men’s marriages and continued to perform weddings. He was executed on February 14, 269 AD.
2. Valentine the Bishop – Another saint who helped persecuted Christians and was also executed on February 14.
3. Valentine the Healer – A legend says he healed the blind daughter of a jailer and sent her a note signed “From your Valentine”, a phrase still used today.

In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day, replacing Lupercalia with a Christian celebration.

Medieval and Renaissance Love Traditions

• 14th Century: The idea of Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday gained popularity in medieval Europe, particularly through Geoffrey Chaucer’s poetry. He linked Valentine’s Day with the pairing of birds, symbolizing love.
• 15th Century: Nobles and poets in France and England began exchanging love notes, known as “valentines.”

Modern Commercialization

By the 19th century, printed Valentine’s Day cards became popular in England and the U.S., thanks to advancements in printing. Over time, the holiday expanded to include chocolates, flowers, and jewelry as expressions of love.

Today’s Celebration

Valentine’s Day is now celebrated globally, with different traditions across cultures. It has evolved from a religious and literary tradition into a major commercial holiday centered around romance and gift-giving.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, but different cultures have unique traditions and customs beyond the typical exchange of chocolates, flowers, and love notes.

Here’s a look at how different countries celebrate February 14

United States & Canada 🇺🇸🇨🇦

• Common traditions: exchanging greeting cards, chocolates, flowers, and gifts.
• Romantic dinners and proposals are popular on this day.
• Schools often have children exchange Valentine’s cards with classmates.

United Kingdom 🇬🇧

• The British celebrate with cards, chocolates, and flowers, especially red roses.
• Poetry plays a big role—William Shakespeare and Chaucer helped shape the romantic traditions of the day.
• In some regions, people leave anonymous love notes rather than signing them.

France 🇫🇷

• France is often considered one of the most romantic countries.
• Traditionally, people exchange love letters and poems (a practice dating back to the 15th century).
• Some couples celebrate with elaborate dinners and romantic getaways.

Italy 🇮🇹

• Known as “La Festa degli Innamorati” (The Festival of Lovers).
• Popular traditions include gift-giving, romantic dinners, and heart-shaped chocolates called Baci Perugina.
• In Verona (the home of Romeo & Juliet), lovers leave letters at Juliet’s House.

Germany 🇩🇪

• Unlike other countries, Germans give pigs as a symbol of love (figurines, chocolates, or images).
• A common gift is a Lebkuchen (gingerbread) heart with romantic messages.
• The holiday is more for couples and not widely celebrated among friends or family.

Japan 🇯🇵

• Women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day:
  • “Giri-choco” (obligatory chocolates) for colleagues and male friends.
  • “Honmei-choco” (true love chocolates) for boyfriends and husbands.
• One month later, on March 14 (White Day), men return the favor by giving white chocolate, flowers, or gifts.

South Korea 🇰🇷

• Similar to Japan: Women give chocolates on February 14, and men reciprocate on White Day (March 14).
• Additionally, April 14 is “Black Day,” where singles gather to eat black noodles (jajangmyeon) and celebrate being single.

China 🇨🇳

• While February 14 is observed, Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) is more traditional. It falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month.
• Inspired by a legend of a cowherd and a weaver girl, Qixi is about romantic reunions.
• Gift-giving is common, with young couples often going on dates.

Brazil 🇧🇷

• Valentine’s Day is celebrated on June 12, known as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lovers’ Day).
• The date honors Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage.
• Gifts, flowers, and romantic gestures are common.

South Africa 🇿🇦

• Many women follow an ancient Roman tradition by pinning the name of their love interest on their sleeves.
• Romantic dinners, music festivals, and outdoor celebrations are common.

Finland & Estonia 🇫🇮🇪🇪

• Celebrated as “Friendship Day” (Ystävänpäivä in Finland, Sõbrapäev in Estonia) rather than strictly a romantic holiday.
• People exchange cards and gifts with friends, family, and loved ones.
• It’s also a popular day for proposals and weddings.

Philippines 🇵🇭

• Known for mass weddings, where hundreds of couples get married at once in public ceremonies.
• The day is celebrated with flowers, chocolates, and romantic dinners.
• Considered one of the most romantic days for proposals and weddings.