Valentine’s Day, celebrated every February 14th, has a long history that blends both ancient traditions and modern customs. Its origins go back to ancient Rome, where there was a festival called Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. During this festival, men and women would participate in a variety of rituals that were believed to promote fertility and love.
The holiday became more closely linked to love and affection during the time of St. Valentine, a Christian priest. According to legend, Valentine lived in Rome during the third century. Emperor Claudius II had banned marriages for young soldiers, believing that single men made better warriors. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly performed marriages for young couples.
“Crazy how this whole holiday started because some guy wouldn’t stop marrying people,” said senior Samuel Munera.
When he was discovered, Valentine was arrested and sentenced to death. Before his execution February 14th, it’s said that he sent a note to a young woman he had helped, signing it “from your Valentine,” a phrase that became popular in later years.
In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced the pagan festival of Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day to honor the priest.
“I think it started as some old Roman thing, then they turned it into a saint’s day, and now it’s all about buying candy and going to dinner. Guess people just like any reason to celebrate love,” said senior Madison Gaudioso.
Over time, the celebration shifted from a religious event to one focused on love and romance.
By the Middle Ages, the tradition of sending love notes or “valentines” became widespread in Europe. In England and France, people believed that birds began to pair off in mid-February, further connecting the day to love and relationships.
“Yeah, people thought birds got together in February, so they started sending love notes because it was like the birds were showing them how love works,” said senior Maria Romagnoli.
Today, Valentine’s Day is a worldwide celebration of love. People send cards, flowers, and chocolates to their loved ones, and it’s a day for expressing affection, whether between couples, friends, or family. The holiday has evolved, but its roots in love and connection remain strong.
