The History Of Valentine’s Day: How Did It Start And Why It’s Celebrated

The countdown reads four days to go as of February 11, 2025.

This year’s Valentine’s Day falls on Friday.

It is a day packed with romance, surprises and gifts for lovers across the world.

Every February 14, many exchange flowers, gifts and to some, poems to the people they love, all in the name of St Valentine.

But who is St Valentine? The patron saint is shrouded in mystery.

According to the History Channel, the day contains remnants of both Christian and ancient Roman traditions.

In one legend, Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.

When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realising the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement.

Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.

Despite the difference in accounts, Valentine is depicted as a romantic and heroic figure.

How did Valentine’s Day start?

Legends say the day has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming of spring and fertility.

The ceremony included drunkenness and a lottery which paired men and women.

However, as Christianity spread, pagan rituals fell out of favour. At the end of the 5th century AD, Pope Gelasius I outlawed the celebration.

The day eventually became St Valentine’s Day as Christianity took over.

How to celebrate Valentine’s Day

There is no wrong way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. So here are some suggestions to ensure that you and your loved one get to enjoy the day.

You can book tickets for a night out whether it is for a movie, play or concert. Make sure you buy the tickets early to avoid last-minute panics.

Whatever you choose, be sure to dress up and take a picture together at some point in the night.

The tradition has been a meal at a nice restaurant but you can pull a twist and instead make meals at home.

You can choose to ignore your phones and instead spend the day together, talking about your present and future.

You might also like to create a soundtrack with both of your favourite songs and dance through the list.

Lovers can also decide to recreate their favourite date.

Do not forget a wrapped gift or a bouquet. You can get care packages for each other.

With the moon out and stars calling to be admired, you can choose a location away from light pollution and star gaze.

The list is endless but make sure whatever you choose to do, you enjoy it together.