Thank you for joining this session on the history of Valentine’s Day! We explored how this beloved holiday evolved from ancient rituals to today’s traditions of cards, chocolates, and romantic gestures.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The Legend of Saint Valentine

The story begins with a Roman priest named Valentine who secretly performed marriages after Emperor Claudius II banned them. Valentine was eventually executed, believed to be on February 14, and later became a saint honored by the Catholic Church.

Ancient Roots in Lupercalia

Valentine’s Day shares ties with the pagan fertility festival Lupercalia, held in mid-February in Ancient Rome. It included rituals meant to promote fertility and matchmaking, which the Church later replaced with a Christian feast day.

Love in the Middle Ages

Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to associate Valentine’s Day with romantic love in his 1375 poem Parliament of Fowls. It was believed that birds began to pair off on February 14, adding to the day's romantic symbolism.

Traditions That Took Shape Over Time

The first Valentine poem was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orléans, from the Tower of London.
Esther Howland popularized handmade Valentine cards in the 1840s, earning her the title “Mother of the Valentine.”
Richard Cadbury introduced decorated chocolate boxes, possibly inventing the heart-shaped box.

Cupid, Roses, and Chalky Hearts

Cupid’s origin traces back to the Greek god Eros. Roses became popular due to their association with Venus, the goddess of love. The familiar candy conversation hearts began as medicinal lozenges and became Valentine staples by the early 1900s.

The Dark Side: Vinegar Valentines

In the 1800s, not all Valentine cards were sweet—some were sarcastic or cruel, called “Vinegar Valentines.” These were often anonymous and intended to insult or reject, though they faded over time due to public disapproval.

Modern Influences and Alternatives

Jewelry became a common Valentine’s gift only in the 1980s, thanks to marketing campaigns. Alternative celebrations like Galentine’s Day (for friendship) and Quirkyalone Day (for happy singles) have also emerged.

A Touch of Shakespeare

Each year, thousands of letters addressed to “Juliet” from Romeo and Juliet are sent to Verona, Italy. Volunteers reply to the letters, and one is chosen annually for the “Dear Juliet Prize.”

Whether you're a romantic at heart or simply curious about traditions, Valentine’s Day offers a rich tapestry of history and cultural evolution worth celebrating in your own way.