Valentine’s Day, as many picture it, was a card company creation, but its roots lie far more ancient and dramatic. The name is derived from Saint Valentine, but its history is a patchwork of different stories and cultural changes.
The Legend of Saint Valentine
The most popular account of this date dates back to the 3rd century AD, when Roman Emperor Claudius II ruled. The Emperor had prohibited marriages for young men, convinced that single men made better, loyal soldiers.
- The Secret Weddings: A courageous priest named Valentine disobeyed the decree and arranged secret weddings between young lovers. He was caught and sentenced to death when discovered.
- The First ‘Valentine’: Legend has it that, in jail, Valentine healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Prior to execution on February 14, 270 AD, he reportedly wrote her a farewell note reading, "From your Valentine," a phrase that is still the gold standard for romantic cards today.
Christianizing a Pagan Festival (Lupercalia)
Some historians argue that the Church had Valentine’s Day in mid-February in order to “Christianize” the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia.
- Lupercalia (Feb 13–15): This was a fertility festival in honor of Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. It included rituals intended to restore health and fertility to the city and its women.
- The Transition: Toward the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I proclaimed February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day, thereby instituting a day devoted to religious remembrance in place of pagan rites.
The “Lovebird” Period: What made it Romantic
Of interest, Valentine's Day did not become connected to "romance" until the Middle Ages.
- The Mating Season: The mating season of birds was generally thought to have started on Feb. 14 in England and France. That gave way to identification of "lovebirds" with the date.
- Geoffrey Chaucer: The popular poet was one of the first to associate Saint Valentine with romantic love in his 14th-century poem Parliament of Foules, where he wrote, "For this was on Saint Valentine's Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate."
Significance in 2026
The day of today has grown much larger than romantic partners. On the horizon in 2026 are "Slow Romance" and "Memory Gifting." There’s no longer a question of the gift, but rather the intentionality of the relationship. From a partner to a close friend (Galentine’s) to a family member, February 14 is a time of intentional pause in our digital lives to celebrate the relationships we feel the importance to maintain.
Quick Facts About Valentine’s Day 2026
- Day of the Week: Valentine's Day 2026 is a Saturday this is the “Grand Weekend” for travel and celebrations.
- Symbols: Cupid (the Roman god of love), red roses (passion), hearts (the traditional seat of emotion).
