A History Of Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day has been celebrated annually on February 14th since 496 AD, taking place for the first time in Rome. It is a holiday recognizing love and appreciation for significant others, family members, friends, and more. The holiday is a Catholic tradition that is centered around Saint Valentine who was a priest in third-century Rome.

The exact story of how Valentine’s Day came to be is not certain, however, it is believed that the priest Valentine performed marriages for young couples in secret after being outlawed. It is also stated that Valentine helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. These two events led to Valentine being sent to jail where he fell in love with his jailer’s daughter during confinement and was beheaded. Valentine was canonized as a Saint in 496 when Valentine’s Day was first recognized as his day. He is remembered as a loving and sympathetic saint.

As Saint Valentine was being beheaded, it is said that he left a love letter signed “Love your Valentine” which is said to have started today’s tradition in signing cards with that statement.

The tradition of Cupid being associated with Valentine’s Day stems from Greek Mythology. Cupid was known for using gold arrows to incite love. It wasn’t until later that Cupid became recognized as a baby.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world in places such as the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, France, and Mexico. It is estimated that each year, 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent making it the second-largest card-sending holiday of each year.

Valentine’s Day is a time to recognize love for others, show appreciation, and reflect on loving relationships. It is traditional to trade gifts like candy, chocolate, love letters, and more. Simple acts of kindness can show the utmost love for others, making them feel special and cared for.

Works Cited

History.com Editors. “History of Valentine's Day.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 22 Dec. 2009, www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2.