Red hearts fill the room, Cupid’s arrows are up on the walls, and chocolate boxes are being sold in every store, Valentine’s Day has arrived, one of the most celebrated days of the year dedicated to love and relationships. It’s the day to show love for your significant other through a thoughtful gift and an affectionate letter. Do you know why, though? Why do people dedicate this day to celebrate their romantic life?
Valentine’s Day is named after a Roman priest and physician named Saint Valentine from the third century. According to Britannica, one theory says that St. Valentine married couples against the emperor’s wishes. This was in order to save the husbands from being enlisted in the war. In retrospect, this was a big crime for this time period but is still admired by many, due to the romantic gesture it holds (britannica.com).
According to the Country Living website, due to his unfaithful actions toward the emperor, St. Valentine was imprisoned. While in jail, he fell in love with a woman who he was tutoring. He wrote a letter to her and signed it with, “from your Valentine.” Writing this phrase on a letter for someone you admire is now commonly used on this special day. Evidently, this is where the idea and tradition of letter-giving came from. Due to these legends, St. Valentine is known as an idol of love today (countryliving.com).
These are only legends as claimed by Country Living. Surprisingly, this day wasn’t always perceived as a romantic and love-filled day. The concept of affection for the day didn’t start until the Middle Ages, much after St. Valentine’s existence. In Britain, during the Middle Ages, the first day of spring was February 14. A poet named Geoffrey Chaucer, wrote a book about the beginning of mating season for birds, which lined up with the first day of spring. He made this idea of choosing a mate to be a sign of affection and love. Chaucer, as well as another significant poet, William Shakespeare, began the association of love with Valentine’s Day (countryliving.com).
Today, Valentine’s Day is a very special day for some people, specifically those who want to express their admiration for their significant other. According to an article about Valentine’s Day, this day isn’t limited to only romantic love. To a lot of people, this is a day to share love with family members and friends. Some cultures even give children small gifts and candies. Others offer acts of appreciation for their friends. Generally though, people use this as a day to spend time with their partners, going out to dinner or cooking at home together (rosesonly.com).
Gifts are a large part of Valentine’s Day. Flowers, jewelry, and chocolates are very commonly given. Junior Safia Atayee said, “Last year I made my boyfriend a little basket, got him Birkenstocks, and made him a card. I feel that it is really important because, although it does take time and effort, it’s always so worth it when I see his smile when he opens them.” This is a prime example of making your partner feel extra loved on this special day.
Valentine’s Day has become a day for one to share and celebrate their love through a caring letter or an endearing gift. If not for a significant other, then for friends and family. From the legends of St. Valentine to bird mating habits, this day has grown to be a beloved national holiday. Ultimately, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder that love comes in various forms and is worth celebrating, no matter who it is shared with.