The history of Valentine’s Day

This year, Family History Zone is celebrating Valentine’s Day by taking a look back at the origins of this world-famous holiday and remembering some romantic duos throughout history.

The origin of love

The concept of love is ancient and can be traced back to the earliest civilizations. Love has been described and celebrated in literature, art, and religious texts for thousands of years, and it has been a central theme in human life since the beginning of human history.

In ancient cultures, love was often associated with the gods and was seen as a force that could bring people together and bring happiness and fulfilment to their lives. The ancient Greeks, for example, had a pantheon of gods and goddesses associated with love, including Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. The ancient Romans also celebrated love and affection, and the festival of Lupercalia, which was held in February, was a celebration of love and fertility.

In many cultures, love has been seen as a powerful and transformative force that can bring people together and help them to overcome obstacles and adversity. Whether it is expressed through romantic relationships, familial love, or the love of friends, the concept of love continues to be an important and enduring aspect of human life.

The purpose of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, honouring love and affection between intimate companions. It is a day to express love through actions such as giving flowers, cards, chocolates or gifts, and to spend quality time with loved ones. The holiday is an opportunity for people to express their appreciation and gratitude for their significant others and strengthen their relationships.

The creation of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day originated from the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated in mid-February and was associated with fertility and the coming of spring.

The festival was later Christianised and became associated with Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr, who was venerated on February 14th. Saint Valentine was imprisoned and executed for performing marriages for Christian couples during a time when the Roman Empire banned such marriages. He is considered a symbol of love and sacrifice, and his feast day, February 14th, has since become associated with romantic love.

The holiday as we know it today began to develop more prominently in the High Middle Ages. The exact events that led to the creation of Valentine’s Day as a holiday dedicated to romantic love are not well-documented, but ultimately is believed to have evolved from the ancient Roman festival and from the association with Saint Valentine.

Interesting stories associated with Valentine’s Day

The First Valentine’s Day Letter:

The earliest recorded Valentine’s Day letter was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. This letter is considered the first Valentine’s Day love letter and is an example of how the holiday has been associated with love and romance for centuries.

The origin of Valentine’s Day cards:

The tradition of sending Valentine’s Day cards became popular in the 15th and 16th centuries when lovers would send hand-written messages to express their love and affection. This practice evolved into the mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards that are widely exchanged today.

The first commercial Valentine’s Day Cards:

The first commercially produced Valentine’s Day cards were produced in the United States in the 1840s and 1850s, and the holiday has since become a major commercial event.

Chocolate and romance – the ultimate pair

Chocolates have become a traditional Valentine’s Day gift for several reasons. One reason is that chocolate has been associated with love and affection for centuries. The Aztecs believed that chocolate was an aphrodisiac, and it was often given as a gift to express love and devotion. The tradition of giving chocolate as a gift on Valentine’s Day was popularized in the 19th century when confectioners in Europe and the United States began producing special chocolates and sweets for the holiday.

Another reason is that chocolate has a long history of being a luxurious and indulgent treat, making it an ideal gift to show love and appreciation. Chocolate is also a versatile and widely enjoyed food, making it a practical and universally appealing gift for Valentine’s Day. The combination of its historical and cultural associations with love and its delicious taste has helped make chocolate a popular and enduring Valentine’s Day gift.

Romantic historical figures

Throughout history, there have been many figures who have become symbols of love and romance. Some of the most notable romantic figures include:

Romeo and Juliet:

The legendary young lovers from Shakespeare’s play are perhaps the most famous romantic figures in Western literature. Their story of forbidden love and tragic fate has captivated audiences for centuries and remains an enduring symbol of romance.

Cleopatra and Mark Antony:

This powerful and glamorous couple of ancient times were famous for their passionate romance and their political influence. Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, and Mark Antony, a Roman general and statesman, were said to be deeply in love until their deaths.

Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley:

Queen Elizabeth I of England was known for her intelligence, strength, and independence, and her love affair with Robert Dudley was one of the most romantic and fascinating relationships in English history.

Napoléon Bonaparte and Joséphine de Beauharnais:

This iconic couple of the French Revolution were known for their passionate love affair, which helped to shape the political and cultural landscape of France.

Prince William and Kate Middleton:

This modern royal couple captured the hearts of people around the world with their fairy-tale romance, which began when they were students at the University of St Andrews.

These are just a few examples of the many romantic figures who have been celebrated throughout history. Whether they are historical figures or fictional characters, these romantic figures continue to inspire us with their stories of love, passion, and commitment.

Happy Valentine’s day!