Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S. However, did you know that it was named after a 3rd-century man named Saint Valentine? He is the patron saint of love, young people, and happy marriages.
St. Valentine became a Christian martyr after staying strong in his beliefs after being put under house arrest. Before being killed he tried to impress the judge by healing his daughter of blindness. Valentine and the judge’s daughter became friends and he sent her letters signed, “From your Valentine,” which is where we got the Valentine’s gift idea from. He is considered the patron saint of love because he would often secretly marry couples so that the men did not have to be sent into war.
Now you might be asking, how does this result in the pink and red-hearted connotation we have surrounded ourselves with modern-day Valentine’s Day? Well in the 8th century, Christians recorded the first Valentine’s Day feast on February 14th the day of his death to honor his devotion to the Catholic church. However, in the 15th century, the feast started involving love-like themes because of the surplus of doves. After, it developed into something similar we know today during the 18th century. Couples started to exchange gifts like flowers, chocolates, cards, pink, red, dove, cupid, and heart-shaped things.
If you didn’t know Catholicism is a missionary religion so because of this Valentine’s Day became a holiday spread around the world. In the USA, we make our partners’ greeting cards. We may buy each other flowers, chocolates, conversation hearts, or even postage stamps. Different cultures celebrate Valentine’s in their own special way. Here are some examples:
In Brazil, they celebrate Valentine’s Day in June instead, which is St. Valentine’s celebration day in the liturgical calendar.
In Estonia, Valentine’s Day is focused on friendship. They give their best friends carnations in addition to their partners.
In France, the people gathered in a village that was popular with St. Valentine. They give their partners romantic gifts much like the U.S. The French often renew their vows on Valentine’s Day as well.
In Germany, Valentine’s Day isn’t too popular among the average person. The holiday was imported from America so they celebrate just like us.
In Greece, they honor the saints Aquila and Priscilla instead, as they are also saints of love and marriage.
In Ireland, it is a big tradition to send people anonymously written love notes. Whether they are currently in a relationship or not. They like to make Valentine’s Day something special and fun.
In Italy, most Italians actually celebrate Juno the Roman goddess of love instead. Also, a fun fact is that St. Valentine actually lived in Italy before it was Italy.
In summary, Valentine’s Day has evolved over the generations. If you are looking for someone to give credit to, St Valentine would be your inspiration. His story was spread throughout the world creating many different tales to tell. So when February 14th comes up, make sure you remember his name and that Valentine’s Day is just a silly holiday created by a legend of an old saint.
