Valentine’s Day, celebrated every February 14, is a time for love, romance, and heartfelt gifts. But where did this tradition originate? Was it always about love, or does it have darker roots? In this article, we’ll uncover the true history of Valentine’s Day, exploring its pagan origins, Christian influences, and evolution into a modern celebration of love.
The Dark Origin of Valentine’s Day: A Pagan Festival Turned Christian Holiday
The roots of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia was celebrated every February 15. Lupercalia was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.
During this festival:
- Roman priests sacrificed goats and dogs for purification and fertility.
- Men would whip women with animal hides, believing it would increase their fertility.
- A matchmaking lottery paired young men and women, sometimes leading to marriage.
As Christianity spread, Pope Gelasius I banned Lupercalia in the late 5th century and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day on February 14. But who was St. Valentine, and why was he associated with love?
Who Was Saint Valentine? The Sad and Mysterious Story
There isn’t just one Saint Valentine—there were at least three, all martyred by the Roman Empire. The most popular legend involves a Roman priest named Valentine who lived during the rule of Emperor Claudius II.
The Story of Saint Valentine:
- Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young soldiers, believing single men made better warriors.
- Valentine defied this order and secretly married couples in love.
- When Claudius discovered this, he imprisoned Valentine and sentenced him to death.
- Before his execution, Valentine allegedly wrote a letter to his jailor’s daughter, signing it “From your Valentine”—a phrase still used today.
- He was beheaded on February 14, around A.D. 270.
While the exact details remain unclear, Valentine became a symbol of love and sacrifice, inspiring the romantic traditions associated with his name.
What Does the Bible Say About Valentine’s Day?
The Bible does not mention Valentine’s Day, as it originated from pagan and later Christian traditions. However, the themes of love, kindness, and commitment align with Biblical teachings.
Relevant Bible Verses About Love:
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
- John 15:12 – “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
- Song of Solomon 8:7 – “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.”
While some Christians embrace Valentine’s Day as a celebration of love, others choose to avoid it due to its pagan origins.
How Valentine’s Day Became a Day of Romance
Valentine’s Day evolved into a romantic holiday during the Middle Ages:
- Medieval Europeans believed birds began mating on February 14, reinforcing the idea of a day for lovers.
- Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to link Valentine’s Day with romance in his 1375 poem, “Parliament of Fowls.”
- Handwritten love letters were exchanged as early as the 1400s.
By the 1700s, exchanging Valentine’s greetings became popular in Britain and France. By the 1840s, mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards were being sold in the U.S., making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas.
Who Is Cupid and How Did He Become the Mascot of Valentine’s Day?
Cupid, the chubby cherub with a bow and arrow, is one of Valentine’s Day’s most recognizable symbols. But he originates from Greek and Roman mythology.
- In Greek mythology, he is Eros, the god of love, often depicted as a handsome young man who could make people fall in love.
- In Roman mythology, Eros became Cupid, portrayed as a playful winged child shooting arrows of love or aversion.
- His image became popular during the Victorian era, appearing on Valentine’s Day cards.
Valentine’s Day Traditions and Modern Celebrations
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with gifts, cards, and romantic gestures. Common traditions include:
- Exchanging Valentine’s Day cards – an estimated 145 million are sent annually.
- Giving flowers and chocolates – red roses symbolize passionate love.
- Romantic dinners and marriage proposals – February 14 is one of the most popular days for engagements.
The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift: Timeless Jewellery
While chocolates and flowers are lovely, nothing expresses love quite like jewellery. A carefully chosen piece of jewellery is a lasting symbol of love and commitment.
Why Jewellery Is the Ultimate Valentine’s Day Gift:
- Everlasting – Unlike flowers, jewellery lasts a lifetime.
- Personal & Meaningful – Customised pieces make it extra special.
- Symbolic – Gold, diamonds, and gemstones represent eternal love.
At Carigari, our exclusive Valentine’s Day jewellery collection features:
- Delicate heart-shaped pendants – the perfect symbol of love.
- Elegant gemstone rings – a timeless expression of romance.
- Gold-plated bracelets – stylish and sentimental.
Make This Valentine’s Day Unforgettable 💖
Browse our Valentine’s Day jewellery collection and find the perfect piece to make your loved one feel special.
Shop Carigari's Valentine's Day collection now
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day has a rich and complex history, evolving from a dark pagan festival to a Christian martyr’s tribute, and eventually into a global celebration of love. Whether you embrace its historical origins or simply enjoy its romantic traditions, one thing is clear—love is worth celebrating.
And what better way to celebrate love than with a beautiful piece of jewellery that lasts forever? ❤️
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Stay connected for more expert tips by subscribing to the Carigari newsletter and following us on Instagram.