The true story of Valentine’s Day is a blend of history, legend and centuries of evolving tradition. Here’s what we know:
Saint Valentine’s Legacy
Saint Valentine [1] was a Christian priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young soldiers [2]. He secretly performed wedding ceremonies, believing love and commitment were sacred. When discovered, Valentine was imprisoned and eventually executed on 14 February around 269 AD.
The Legend Grows
During his imprisonment, Valentine reportedly befriended his jailer’s blind daughter and miraculously restored her sight. Before his execution, he wrote her a farewell note signed “from your Valentine,” giving birth to a phrase still used today.
Medieval Romance
In the Middle Ages, Geoffrey Chaucer [3] and other poets linked Saint Valentine’s feast day with courtly love and the mating season of birds. By the 14th century, February 14 became associated with romantic devotion across Europe.
Modern Tradition
Victorian England popularised printed Valentine’s cards, and commercialisation in the 20th century turned the day into a global celebration of love through gifts, flowers and shared experiences.
To explore the full story, read about the Saint Valentine story, learn about Valentine’s Day February 14, and for more frequently asked questions about Valentine’s Day discover more here.
References
[1] “St. Valentine,” via Britannica website, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Valentine
[2] “The History of Valentine’s Day and St. Valentine,” via The Wentworth website, https://www.thewentworth.com/the-history-of-valentines-day-and-st-valentine/
[3] “Geoffrey Chaucer,” https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/chaucer_geoffrey.shtml