As much as Valentine’s Day isn’t for everybody, you can’t argue with the fact that love is everywhere and brings everyone together no matter what. However, have you ever asked yourself where the one day of the year, Valentine’s Day, when everybody is suppressed with buying red roses and fancy boxes of chocolate, actually comes from? Well, this is the article for you as we investigate how and why Valentine’s first became a day for love.

History

The famous day first came about when way back in 3rd Century AD, at least 2 or 3 men named ‘Valentine’ or ‘Valentinus’ were executed in Rome. The 14th of February was declared as ‘The Feast of St Valentine’ and was actually never first associated with any concept of love. Instead, the Romans saw this as a day of purification when they would take part in many rituals including a so-called “matchmaking lottery” that came across as a good idea for women's names to get tossed into a large urn, before being picked out and paired with another man for the duration of the festival and sometimes beyond.

Why Love? 

The presently celebrated theme of love didn’t come into play until the 14th century. It was uncovered that legend has it St Valentine himself was a priest who secretly married soldiers due to their emperor enforcing a marriage ban only to ensure his soldiers were fully focused on the war they were fighting. Geoffrey Chaucer took this legend a step further when he made an official association with the day and romance by the publication of his very own poem ‘Parliament of Fowls’  describing when birds gather to find their mates.

Valentine’s Day

The earliest Valentine to be written was recalled to be sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 to his wife, whilst he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Now fast forward to 2026, when Valentine’s Day is no longer a day just for romance between couples, but is a day widely evolved to be known as Valentine’s, Galentines or even Palentines. The 14th of February is now a day to celebrate EVERYONE you love, and nobody should feel alone.

Just remember, love doesn’t have to be shown through an expensive box of chocolates or a large bouquet of flowers, yes they are nice gifts to receive but the real love is shown though hugs, handmade treats and the simple way of just being there for one another. 

“Whee there is love, there is life”

~ Martha Gandhi ♥️

Article by Caera Neeson (S3) 🙂

4) Breakfast In Bed! 🥞🥓

Whilst it may always be mum cooking first thing in the morning, go above and beyond with a slap-up breakfast served in bed. Stress-free and delicious!

Remember, Mother’s Day isn’t all about the most expensive gift or card, it’s just you being there and thinking of your mum that really matters to her. It can be the simplest of things, but mean the most.

“ A Mother’s love is more beautiful than any fresh flower”

~ Debasish Mridha ❤️

Article by Caera Neeson (S3)