A Romantic View On Valentine’s Day History

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Get ready for a romantic blast from the past as we dive headfirst into the heart-shaped box of history to uncover the love-struck saga of Valentine’s Day history! Prepare to be wooed by tales of forbidden romances, secret letters, and age-old customs that have blossomed into one of the most adored celebrations of love worldwide. So, snuggle up with your sweetheart, or treat yourself to some self-love as we journey back in time to explore the enchanting origins of Valentine’s Day. Let’s uncover why February 14 isn’t just another date on the calendar!

Geoffrey Chaucer and the Birth of Romantic Love:

Geoffrey Chaucer, often hailed as the father of English literature, was instrumental in shaping the romantic character of Valentine’s Day history. Chaucer’s vision resonated widely and was adopted by successive generations, blooming into the traditions we recognize today. This romantic image of Valentine’s Day, envisioned by Chaucer, forever altered February 14, transforming it from another date on the calendar to a day dedicated to expressions of love.

Parliament of Fowls: Geoffrey Chaucer’s 

The “Parliament of Fowls,” an allegorical dream vision, is widely recognized as the first written link between Valentine’s Day and romantic love. Chaucer describes a grand assembly of birds convened on Saint Valentine’s Day in this poetic masterpiece. During this gathering, each bird chooses its mate for the year in a ceremony presided over by Nature herself. The ritualistic choosing of mates on this day reflects the modern custom of declaring love or proposing marriage on February 14th. Therefore, Chaucer’s “Parliament of Fowls,” with its depiction of birds selecting their partners on Valentine’s Day, has significantly contributed to the romantic ethos that characterizes the modern celebration of this day.

Lupercalia: The Ancient Roman Roots of Valentine’s Day:

Historically, Valentine’s Day roots trace back to a raucous Roman festival called Lupercalia. Held annually on February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman agriculture god Faunus and to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

Details of the Lupercalia Festival

The festival began with an animal sacrifice, after which the Luperci, or ‘brothers of the wolf,’ would cut strips, known as ‘februa,’ from the animal’s hide. These februas were then used to gently slap women, a ritual believed to foster fertility and safe childbirth in the coming year.

The Rise and Fall Of Lupercalia

The Lupercalia festival survived Christianity’s initial rise but was then outlawed at the end of the 5th century when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day. Over time, the pagan ritual of Lupercalia was sanitized and morphed into the more chaste, romantic holiday we know today as Valentine’s Day.

The Patron Saint of Love: St. Valentine and His Connection to Valentine’s Day:

Even though little is known about him, St. Valentine, a third-century Roman priest, is arguably the most recognized figure associated with Valentine’s Day. Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, Valentine defied the emperor’s decree banning young soldiers from marrying. Claudius believed unmarried soldiers were more focused and better warriors, but Valentine, seeing the injustice of the decree, continued to wed young couples secretly.

From Your Valentine: St. Valentine’s Last Message and Miracle

His defiance led to his imprisonment, during which he allegedly healed the jailer’s blind daughter and, before his execution, left her a farewell note signed “From your Valentine.” This act of kindness and his stand for love made him a romantic figure in the eyes of the people, leading to his eventual patronage of lovers. His feast day, February 14, which coincided with the Lupercalia festival, eventually became associated with love and romance, giving birth to the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day.

The Evolution of Valentine’s Day Cards:

Valentine’s Day cards, now a staple of the holiday, date back to the Middle Ages in Valentine’s Day history. Originally, expressions of love were shared through handwritten letters and notes. However, with the advent of printing technology in the 15th century, the first printed Valentine’s Day cards began to appear. These were intricate and often included romantic symbols like hearts, flowers, and cupids. 

Printing Cards Become Wide-Spread

The practice of exchanging printed cards became more widespread with the Industrial Revolution’s onset and the printing techniques’ improvements. It was during the Victorian era that Valentine’s Day cards gained significant popularity, especially in Britain. This was further propelled by the introduction of the Penny Post in the UK in 1840, making it affordable for individuals to send cards anonymously to their secret loves. Today, Valentine’s Day cards range from traditional paper hearts to digital e-cards, symbolizing enduring traditions of romance and affection.

Modern Celebrations of Valentine’s Day:

Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally with feasts, gifts, and expressive cards. The holiday is no longer limited to romantic love but honors friendships and familial love. It is a day where love in all forms is recognized and celebrated. Traditional gifts include chocolates and flowers, especially roses, considered the flower of love. However, in the present day, the trend has expanded to include experiences such as romantic meals, weekend getaways, and spa sessions. The holiday is also marked by a significant exchange of cards, with millions being sent each year. This makes Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday after Christmas. It’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the human desire to express it. Valentine’s Day, while it has evolved significantly from its pagan and religious roots, continues to be a day deeply entrenched in expressions of love and affection.

The Everlasting Embrace of Valentine’s Day:

Through the centuries, Valentine’s Day has evolved, adopting new traditions and shedding old ones, yet its essence remains the same – a celebration of love. From the raucous festivities of Lupercalia to the quiet, heartfelt exchanges of handwritten letters, the core idea of love and human connection continues to be the driving force behind these celebrations. Let’s cherish Valentine’s Day history and its testament to the unyielding power of love, a force that continues to shape our world, transcending borders, cultures, and time itself. So, this February 14, as we pen down our affection in cards or share a special meal with loved ones, let’s raise a toast to St. Valentine, Chaucer, the Luperci, and everyone who has had a part in crafting this testament to love. Happy Valentine’s Day!