The meaning behind Valentine's Day explained, and who Saint Valentine actually was (2024)

A heartfelt celebration of love or over-commercialised nonsense? Whatever your stance on Valentine’s Day, it is difficult to avoid it.

It’s always commemorated on 14 February, which in 2023 falls on Tuesday, and has been associated with romance for hundreds of years.

But why is the date so associated with love, who actually was Saint Valentine, and how is the occasion marked around the world? Here’s everything you need to know.

Why is Valentine’s Day on 14 February?

No one is completely certain around the origin of the date, but there are plenty of theories.

Some, for example, believe St Valentine’s Day was placed on the date to mark the burial of Valentine of Rome.

Apparently, Gelasius scrapped it for Valentine’s Day to Christianise the pagan festival, but there is no proof of this.

The date is referred to in “Parchement of Foules”, a 1382 poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, which is believed to be the first time Valentine’s Day was associated with romance.

In that work, he wrote: “For this was on seynt Volantynys day / Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.”

This translates to: “For this was on St. Valentine’s Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate.”

This is a reference to the start of birds’ mating season, which in Middle England was generally accepted to be on 14 February.

Valentine’s Day in something like its current form rose to prominence in the 18th century, with people beginning to send cards and give presents to their partners.

The meaning behind Valentine's Day explained, and who Saint Valentine actually was (1)

Who was Saint Valentine?

The celebration actually links to at least two saints – the aforementioned Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni – and possibly another of the same name about whom little is known.

Valentine of Rome was a Roman priest who was martyred in 296 and added to the calendar of saints by Pope Galesius in 496.

The story goes that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers, who were forbidden to marry, and for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire.

According to legend, during his imprisonment, Valentine of Rome restored sight to the blind daughter of his judge, and before his execution he wrote her a letter signed “Your Valentine”.

Valentine of Terni was a bishop who was martyred during the persecution by Emperor Aurelian in 273.

More on Valentine's Day

The little-known Italian town of the ‘real’ Romeo and Juliet14 February, 2024Opinion | Admit it: finding love is a stroke of sheer luck14 February, 2024From cheese to sardines, the six foods men should eat to boost their sex lives14 February, 2024

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world?

The date is marked in different and more unusual ways around the world. So if you are keen to change things up this year, here are some traditions from around the globe:

Japan

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on two different dates in Japan, with women presenting gifts to their loved ones on 14 February, and men later returning the favour on the White Day, which is celebrated a month later on 14 March.

Women typically give the gift of one of two types of chocolate.

One is called giri-choco, which is bought for friends, bosses, colleagues, or close male friends, while boyfriends and husbands are given hon-mei, usually prepared by the women themselves.

Slovenia

The date is associated with agriculture in Slovenia, and is considered the beginning of spring. It is often the day that workers head back to the fields, with many proposals occurring there.

Germany

The colour red will often be seen all across the country as a symbol of love and passion on Valentine’s Day, with bouquets of roses usually being an essential part of celebrations.

Children also often present heart-shaped gifts with messages of love to their parents, teachers and classmates, and baskets of chocolates and sweets are also traditionally given.

Argentina

Not content with celebrating love for just one day, Argentinians devote an entire week to the festival of love, known as ‘sweetness week’.

Held between 13 and 20 July, lovers exchange kisses for sweets, with the week of celebrations coming to an end with a friendship day as well.

South Korea

South Koreans can’t get enough of the romance and celebrate the day of love on the 14th day every month of the year.

Meanwhile, those who are single observe “the black day” in April, when they eat black noodles.

France

One traditional Valentine’s event in France was the loterie d’amour, in which hopeful singles would line up in houses facing each other and take turns calling through the windows until they were paired up.

The women left on their own then gathered afterwards for a bonfire ceremoniously burning images of the men who rejected them.

South Africa

While many will celebrate the day with chocolates, flowers and romantic dinners, others opt for a more direct approach with some women pinning the name of their love on their sleeve for the day.

The meaning behind Valentine's Day explained, and who Saint Valentine actually was (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rueben Jacobs

Last Updated:

Views: 6139

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rueben Jacobs

Birthday: 1999-03-14

Address: 951 Caterina Walk, Schambergerside, CA 67667-0896

Phone: +6881806848632

Job: Internal Education Planner

Hobby: Candle making, Cabaret, Poi, Gambling, Rock climbing, Wood carving, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.