The History of Valentine’s Day: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Celebrations

Every year on 14 February, Valentine’s Day is marked with cards, flowers, chocolates, and messages of appreciation. For many people, it’s seen as a celebration of love and relationships, but the history behind Valentine’s Day is much older and more complex than you might expect.

The day combines ancient traditions, historical stories, and cultural changes that have shaped how we celebrate today.

Who was Saint Valentine?

Valentine’s Day is believed to be named after Saint Valentine, although historians are not completely certain which historical figure the day refers to. There were at least two men named Valentine recognised as saints by the early Christian Church.

One of the most well-known stories describes Valentine as a Roman priest who lived during the third century, under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. According to legend, the emperor banned young men from marrying because he believed single men made better soldiers. Valentine reportedly disagreed with this decision and secretly performed marriage ceremonies for couples.

When the emperor discovered this, Valentine was arrested and imprisoned. Some stories suggest that while in prison, he wrote a letter signed “from your Valentine,” which may have helped inspire the messages people share today. Valentine was later executed on 14 February around the year 270 AD.

While historians debate how accurate these stories are, Saint Valentine became associated with love, loyalty, and standing up for personal beliefs.

Ancient traditions that may have influenced Valentine’s Day

Some historians believe Valentine’s Day may also have connections to ancient Roman festivals, particularly one called Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February.

Lupercalia was a festival linked to fertility, the arrival of spring, and renewal. It involved celebrations and rituals intended to bring good fortune and new beginnings.

As Christianity spread across Europe, many earlier festivals were adapted or replaced with religious observances. Over time, Saint Valentine’s Day became linked to themes of love and relationships instead.

When did Valentine’s Day become romantic?

Valentine’s Day didn’t immediately become associated with romance. That connection began to develop during the Middle Ages, particularly in Europe.

In the 14th century, English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about birds choosing their mates in mid-February. His writing helped strengthen the idea that Valentine’s Day was linked to love and partnership. Over time, people began sharing poems, letters, and small tokens to express affection.

By the 1700s, exchanging handwritten Valentine messages had become a common tradition in Britain and parts of Europe. These messages were often decorated with drawings, ribbons, or lace.

The rise of Valentine’s cards

The tradition of Valentine’s cards grew rapidly during the 19th century. Advances in printing technology meant cards could be produced more easily and at a lower cost, making them accessible to more people.

Victorian Valentine’s cards often featured:

• Romantic poetry

• Decorative patterns and lace designs

• Symbols like hearts, flowers, and doves

During this time, anonymous Valentine cards were also popular, adding an element of mystery and excitement.

Valentine’s Day around the world

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries, but traditions vary widely.

In the UK and the United States, Valentine’s Day often focuses on romantic relationships and gift-giving. In other countries, traditions may focus more on friendship or appreciation for family members.

For example:

• In Japan, Valentine’s Day often involves giving chocolate, with another celebration in March called White Day

• In some countries, the day is seen as a broader celebration of love, friendship, and kindness

• In Finland and Estonia, the day is strongly linked to celebrating friendships

These differences show how cultural traditions can change and adapt over time.

Valentine’s Day today

Modern Valentine’s Day is shaped by both tradition and popular culture. Many people celebrate by:

• Giving cards, flowers, or small gifts

• Spending time with partners, friends, or family

• Sharing messages or posts on social media

• Taking time to show appreciation for people who matter to them

For some, it’s about romance. For others, it’s about friendship, self-care, or simply spreading kindness.

It’s okay to feel different about Valentine’s Day

Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day, and experiences of the day can be very different for different people. Some enjoy it, while others may find it overwhelming or prefer to focus on friendships and personal wellbeing.

Over time, celebrations such as “Galentine’s Day” or friendship-focused events have become popular, showing that Valentine’s Day can mean different things to different people.

What matters most is recognising that love and appreciation come in many forms — including friendships, family relationships, and looking after yourself.

A tradition that continues to evolve

Valentine’s Day has changed significantly over hundreds of years. What began as a mixture of historical stories, religious remembrance, and seasonal festivals has grown into a global celebration shaped by culture, creativity, and personal meaning.

Although traditions continue to evolve, one idea remains at the centre of Valentine’s Day: recognising and appreciating the people who make our lives better.