As the world gears up to celebrate Valentine’s Day, love fills the air. Couples everywhere take this opportunity to express their feelings and remind their special someone how deeply they are cherished. But behind the romantic dinners, sweet notes, chocolates, flowers, and thoughtful gifts lies a history filled with intriguing stories, legends, and surprising traditions. The day of love has a fascinating past that may change the way people view this beloved holiday.
History behind Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from ancient Rome. According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, young men were prohibited from marrying, as the emperor believed single men made better soldiers. Saint Valentine secretly helped couples marry, but when his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and executed on February 14. Because of his sacrifice for love, he became linked with the celebration of romance.
In the Middle Ages, people in England and France believed that February 14 marked the beginning of birds’ mating season, which further strengthened the association between the day and love. Writers like Geoffrey Chaucer helped popularize Valentine’s Day as a romantic occasion through their poetry.
Cupid: The symbol of love and romance
Cupid, the Roman god of love, attraction, and desire, is the son of Venus and often depicted as a winged child carrying a bow and arrows that cause people to fall in love. In Greek mythology, his counterpart is Eros. According to myth, a golden arrow makes someone fall deeply in love, while a lead arrow causes dislike.
One famous tale, Cupid and Psyche, shows that even the god of love can fall in love. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Cupid became closely associated with Valentine’s Day, and his image began appearing on greeting cards. Today, Cupid symbolizes sudden attraction, romance, and the magical side of love.
The tradition of Valentine's Day Card-Giving
Valentine’s Day is the second most popular holiday for sending greeting cards in the United States, with nearly 145 million cards exchanged each year. These cards are shared not just between romantic partners, but also with friends, family, teachers, and classmates. This widespread exchange highlights the day’s celebration of appreciation and connection across many types of relationships.
The tradition of sending cards dates back to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote a love poem to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London, calling her his "very gentle Valentine." By the 1600s and 1700s, people in England and the United States began exchanging handmade notes adorned with poems, lace, and hearts. In the 1840s, Esther Howland began selling printed Valentine’s cards, earning her the title "Mother of the American Valentine" and turning the day into a nationwide card-sending tradition. With improvements in printing and affordable postage, Valentine’s cards became widely popular, making the holiday one of the biggest occasions for sending greeting cards worldwide.
Vinegar Valentines: The bitter side of Valentine's Day
Though Valentine’s Day is known for romance and sweetness, there was once a surprisingly sour and mischievous side to the holiday. In the 19th century, a peculiar custom emerged: Vinegar Valentines. Popular in the UK and the United States, these cards were the opposite of loving messages. Instead of affection, they delivered sarcasm, teasing, and insults. The word "vinegar" symbolized something sour, which was far from the holiday’s typical romantic vibe. These cards often featured exaggerated caricatures and rhyming verses mocking a person’s appearance, job, or personality.
Thanks to cheap printing and anonymous postal services, people could send these biting cards without revealing their identity. While some saw them as harmless pranks, others used them to express jealousy or disdain. Over time, however, this tradition faded, and Valentine’s Day gradually became a celebration focused more on love and kindness rather than ridicule.
Beyond Romance: Celebrating 'Singles Day' and 'Friends Day'
Valentine's Day isn't just about romantic love in every corner of the world. In Finland, February 14 is known as Ystävänpäivä, or "Friend’s Day," and in Estonia, it's called Sobrapäev, also meaning "Friend’s Day." These celebrations focus more on friendship than romance, with people exchanging cards and small gifts with friends, classmates, and family.
Valentine’s Day has grown into a global celebration that extends beyond romantic love, embracing friendship, independence, and self-love. It's a day to recognize all kinds of meaningful relationships, whether with a partner, friends, or even oneself.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s clear that the holiday has evolved over time, rich with history, intriguing stories, and diverse traditions. Whether you're celebrating romance, friendship, or simply appreciating those around you, the day serves as a reminder of the many ways love can be expressed.
