The history of Valentine's Day is shrouded in legend and folklore, with multiple stories contributing to its origins. It's roots can be traced back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions.

Roman Origins: One popular theory is that Valentine's Day originated from the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, which was celebrated in mid-February. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and also involved the pairing of women with men through a lottery system. However, this celebration was somewhat chaotic and involved animal sacrifices, and it eventually fell out of favor as Christianity spread.

Christian Martyrs: The most widely accepted legend associated with Valentine's Day involves the actions of a Christian saint named Valentinus during the Roman Empire. According to various accounts, there were multiple Christian martyrs named Valentine who lived around the same time. One particular story suggests that a priest named Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for young men, as the emperor believed that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, but he was eventually caught, imprisoned, and sentenced to death.

While in prison, Valentine allegedly sent a letter to a young girl, possibly the jailer's daughter, whom he had befriended. The letter is said to have been signed "from your Valentine," a phrase that is still commonly used in modern Valentine's Day greetings.

Establishment of the Feast Day: The Catholic Church recognises at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, and all of them are associated with acts of kindness, love, and sacrifice. Pope Gelasius I officially declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day around 496 AD to honor these saints. The day was then associated with love and devotion.

Chaucer's Influence: The romantic association of Valentine's Day gained further popularity during the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a poem called "Parliament of Fowls," in which he linked the tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day. This helped solidify the connection between love and the holiday.

Commercialisation and Modern Celebration: Over the centuries, Valentine's Day evolved, and by the 18th century, exchanging handwritten notes, cards, and small gifts became common expressions of affection. The commercialisation of the holiday increased in the 19th century, with the mass production of Valentine's Day cards.



Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide as a day to express love and affection for romantic partners, family, and friends. The traditions vary across cultures, but the common theme remains the celebration of love and connection.