The origin of Valentine's Day is not something commonly known or discussed. The modern Valentine's Day that we know, with flowers, hearts, and chocolates is a recent cultural development. The birth of the holiday started in early modern England and spread throughout the English speaking world by the 19th century.
The origin of the significance of February 14th is connected mostly in celebration of Christian and Catholic martyrs. It developed as a western holiday honoring different saints (individuals differing with location) named Valentine. The celebration was called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine.
There are records of a Saint Valentine who supposedly performed wedding ceremonies for soldiers. Who at the time were forbidden to marry. This Saint Valentine also ministered to Christians persecuted by the Roman empire. According to legend, Saint Valentine left a letter to his judge's daughter before his execution. The letter was signed "your Valentine".
However the modern association of romance and Valentines Day didn't developed until the 14th century, in a time when courtly love was in full bloom. Romantic poetry encouraged the connection of romance to Valentine's Day, but it still wasn't until 18th century England that giving gifts and letters to lovers became common. These love letters were called "valentines" and by the 19th century the custom became so popular that handwritten cards were bought over by mass produced greeting cards.
In the U.S. mass produced Valentines cards with popular paper lace were sold by Esther Howl around 1847. In 1868 a British company introduced the box of chocolates with their "Fancy Boxes", decorated heart shaped boxes of chocolate. They quickly became a staple item for the holiday.
Many suspect or have made claims that Valentine's Day is connected to the Roman celebration of fertility and love. However there is no record of Valentine's Day being associated with anything romantic or sexual before the 14th century, when Chaucer mentioned "Valentines" in his poetry.
Although modern Anglo-American customs have significantly altered the celebrations of Valentine's Day, there are still events connecting the Saint Valentine with its original purpose, the arrival of spring.
The famous symbols of Valentine's Day, chocolates, flowers, and love letters originated in the UK. However parts of England still retain their original Valentine's Day customs. Norfolk has a mysterious Valentine "Jack" that leaves treats at the door for children. And Slovenia has a Saint Valentine to mark the coming of spring.
Valentine's Day has a long and complicated history, but the holiday brings a smile to my face. Unexpected flowers, sweet valentine cards, and indulgent chocolates help boost the spirit.
What is your favorite part about Valentine's Day?
Enigma
The origin of the significance of February 14th is connected mostly in celebration of Christian and Catholic martyrs. It developed as a western holiday honoring different saints (individuals differing with location) named Valentine. The celebration was called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine.
There are records of a Saint Valentine who supposedly performed wedding ceremonies for soldiers. Who at the time were forbidden to marry. This Saint Valentine also ministered to Christians persecuted by the Roman empire. According to legend, Saint Valentine left a letter to his judge's daughter before his execution. The letter was signed "your Valentine".
However the modern association of romance and Valentines Day didn't developed until the 14th century, in a time when courtly love was in full bloom. Romantic poetry encouraged the connection of romance to Valentine's Day, but it still wasn't until 18th century England that giving gifts and letters to lovers became common. These love letters were called "valentines" and by the 19th century the custom became so popular that handwritten cards were bought over by mass produced greeting cards.
In the U.S. mass produced Valentines cards with popular paper lace were sold by Esther Howl around 1847. In 1868 a British company introduced the box of chocolates with their "Fancy Boxes", decorated heart shaped boxes of chocolate. They quickly became a staple item for the holiday.
Many suspect or have made claims that Valentine's Day is connected to the Roman celebration of fertility and love. However there is no record of Valentine's Day being associated with anything romantic or sexual before the 14th century, when Chaucer mentioned "Valentines" in his poetry.
Although modern Anglo-American customs have significantly altered the celebrations of Valentine's Day, there are still events connecting the Saint Valentine with its original purpose, the arrival of spring.
The famous symbols of Valentine's Day, chocolates, flowers, and love letters originated in the UK. However parts of England still retain their original Valentine's Day customs. Norfolk has a mysterious Valentine "Jack" that leaves treats at the door for children. And Slovenia has a Saint Valentine to mark the coming of spring.
Valentine's Day has a long and complicated history, but the holiday brings a smile to my face. Unexpected flowers, sweet valentine cards, and indulgent chocolates help boost the spirit.
What is your favorite part about Valentine's Day?
Enigma
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