February 14, 2024 by Olivia Clemmensen (‘26)
Valentine’s Day is a holiday that some enjoy spending with their loved ones or a romantic date, while others think it’s there to remind them of another year spent single. So how did Valentine’s Day start? And how can you enjoy the 14th of February regardless of your relationship status? This article analyzes all aspects of the holiday from its history and first valentines to its traditions centered around chocolates.
The Holiday’s History:
Valentine’s day was originally the celebration of Saint Valentine from ancient Rome, who died around 270 AD. Little is known about Valentine’s life, but theories explain stories of him as a priest, a pope, and a martyr. One account from history.com depicts Valentine as a Catholic Priest who refused to convert to Paganism and as a man who married Roman soldiers to their lovers in secret, since it was illegal for soldiers to marry. This legend says that once the Roman emperor Claudius II Gothicus found out about his illegal actions, Valentine was beheaded. Poor Valentine. Valentine also was said to wear a ring adorned with the Roman god of love, Cupid, so soldiers could recognize him. A different account recalls there was a Bishop of Terni named Valentine, who handed out paper hearts reminding Christians of God’s love. This Valentine, too, was martyred by Claudius II, so many scholars think that Claudius II probably didn’t have a grudge toward holy guys named Valentine. It was the same guy. Either way, Valentine became known as the patron saint of love. Not only was he the saint of love and marriage, but he was also unexpectedly known as the saint of “interventions regarding beekeeping and epilepsy, as well as the plague, fainting, and traveling,” said history.com.
The celebration of Saint Valentine used to be associated with the mid-February ancient Roman holiday of Lupercalia, the holiday of fertility, including a “ritual in which men and women were paired off by choosing names from a jar,” said realsimple.com. By the end of the 5th century (around 500 AD), the two celebrations melded into one holiday centered around love and partnership. Pope Gelasius then declared “St. Valentine’s Day” a feast day for (you guessed it) St. Valentine in Catholicism. Later, as the new Valentine’s Day became more and more popular and marketed, the Catholic church removed the holiday from their calendar in 1969. In the late 13th century, the true linkage between the holiday and romantic love emerged with the help from “Chaucer’s 1382 poem, Parlement of Foules. Chaucer here describes the nature of love when ‘every bird cometh to choose his mate’ on ‘seynt Voantynes day,” said Smithsonian Magazine.
Although sending and exchanging valentines are common traditions on this holiday in the modern world, it was a tradition supposedly started by Valentine himself. Historians suspect that the first valentine was sent from Valentine himself when he was behind bars for illegally wedding young men in the army. It is said that Valentine sent a love note to his jailor’s daughter and signed it “from your Valentine.” This signature, derived from his own name, was accurate, although not so much now in modern day (unless your name is Valentine, of course). This signature is still used today to sign off on love notes around the world to a lucky receiver. Some scholars say the real trend-setters in this practice are the Duke of Orléans and his wife Bonne of Armagnac. The French Duke was imprisoned in London during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and sent what is said to be the first valentine to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac, back in France. This love poem addressed her as his “very gentle valentine” (nice move Duke!) By the end of the 15th century (1500 AD), the term “Valentine”, became widely used around February and described a lover in poems and songs.
The Valentine:
Valentine’s Day as we know it today is celebrated in countries such as the U.S., Britain, Canada, and even Australia! During the mid 19th century, Valentine’s Day became increasingly popular all over, and with this came the start of the traditions we know and love today such as cards and chocolates. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland, “known as the ‘Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures known as “scrap,” as described by history.com. She became the first person to mass-produce Valentine’s Day cards, and her creative ideas and industry took off quickly. Her elaborate cards were both beautiful and convenient for people to purchase and give to their partner. According to Hallmark, about 145 million valentines are sold and sent each year! The distribution of these cards has most likely put a smile on about 145 million people’s faces each year- so continue to spread the love! Not all valentines have spread love however, since the “vinegar valentine” was used in the Victorian era for women to turn down suitors. It was a sugar-coated rejection letter! Valentine’s Day hasn’t just been a day where joy and love is spread. On February 14, 1929, the famous Al Capone and his gang killed 7 men during Prohibition in Chicago. This was an important moment in Prohibition history and a saddening event occurring on Valentine’s Day.
History of Chocolate:
“Xocolatl”, called “bitter water,” was invented by the early Mesoamericans where they would grind cacao beans with chiles and spices to create a type of healing drink and even currency. Upon European arrival, the Europeans discovered this chocolaty drink and brought it over to Europe. They began to change it and add more sugar and milk to create a luxurious treat. Having access to this newly discovered chocolate in Europe was viewed as an elite splendor. In the 19th century, as sugar became more common, chocolate became more accessible to the working class and women. With this new availability to women, chocolate’s connotations became more feminine and associated with sweetness, softness, and indulgence. In 1861, British chocolate maker Richard Cadbury invented the “fancy box”, a decorated box that he started selling which held “what was then called ‘eating chocolate,” as stated by history.com. These boxes were not only used to store chocolates but they could also hold love notes after the chocolates it held were eaten up. With the increase in chocolate’s marketing, their variety also increased. Different types of chocolate were sold in different boxes. These boxes could be adorned with silk, satin, lace, or ribbons. On a scientific note, cocoa beans have chemicals like tryptophan and phenylethylamine that are connected to improved mood and happiness, which is perfect for you and your date to share or for yourself if you are single! Chocolate will always be by your side. Dark chocolate is more natural, has less sugar and milk, lowers blood pressure, and has an increased number of antioxidants. Even better, it is good for your heart too (too perfect)! Not only will it give you enjoyment and happiness, but also good sources of nutrients.
Galentine’s Day:
Over the past decade, Galentine’s Day has increased in popularity as well as Valentine’s Day itself. This holiday was inspired by the episodes mentioning this made-up holiday in Amy Poehler’s “Parks and Recreation” show in 2010. It is a spin-off of Valentine’s Day, the holiday of romantic love, whereas Galentine’s day is the holiday of friendship. This holiday is typically held on February 13th to celebrate female friendships.
Today’s Valentine’s Day:
With all its history in mind, Valentine’s Day is the celebration and appreciation of the people in your life that you love (mostly your significant other). Chocolates, flowers such as roses, and candy like the famous candy hearts play a large role in this holiday. These are great gifts to present to loved ones to brighten up their day and show your love. Speaking of gifts, an average Valentine’s Day gift giver spends around $200 on gifts every year. This holiday is great for small gifts, but it is also the most popular day to propose!
Even young students swap valentines with their classmates on this day! This elementary-school tradition includes tiny notes, candies, and toys. This early celebration of the holiday will give students some very sweet and sugary memories associated with Valentine’s Day. But not only elementary-level kids can have fun on Valentine’s Day. To brighten up your holiday this year, have a nice dinner with your family or date, rent a rom com movie, enjoy a delicious dessert, hold a party with your friends, or spend time with your friends making valentines and memories together. Although, according to realsimple.com, “a YouGov survey found that only 30% of Americans thought it was a real special occasion—with most people liking holidays like New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Labor Day, and Memorial Day more than the day of love,” everyone should make the most out of this holiday even if you are single and don’t have someone romantic to spend the day with (which, let’s face it, can be just as fun). No matter your relationship status, use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to spread love and joy to others in a world that desperately needs it!