The History and Legacy of Valentine’s Day
Whether you love Valentine’s Day or hate it, one thing is clear: the holiday dates back centuries.
While it is now associated with romance, gifts, and extravagant dinner reservations, its origins are far less romantic. The history of Valentine’s Day involves a martyred saint and even a massacre—events that wouldn’t fit into a typical rom-com.
The Story of Saint Valentine
Saint Valentine, also known as Saint Valentine of Rome, is the historical figure linked to the observance of Valentine’s Day. However, there were multiple martyrs named Valentine in early Christian history, and scholars disagree on the exact identity of the saint after whom the holiday is named. The most widely accepted account identifies him as a priest in third-century Rome.
Identity and Accounts
Little is known about the real Saint Valentine beyond his name and martyrdom. One account suggests that he was a priest who was imprisoned and persecuted for being a Christian. He was also jailed for performing marriages for soldiers in the Roman army at a time when married men were not allowed to serve.
Some historians believe that before Christianity became the official religion of Rome, Christians discouraged military service under a pagan authority. Valentine may have seen officiating marriages as a way to prevent men from joining the army. However, Emperor Claudius II saw this as a threat to military strength and had Valentine arrested.
According to legend, Valentine remained on good terms with Claudius II until he attempted to convert the emperor to Christianity. Frustrated by his efforts, Claudius II sentenced him to death unless he renounced his faith.
Another version of the story identifies Valentine as the Bishop of Terni, Italy. In this account, he was martyred in Rome, and his relics were later buried on the Via Flaminia, where a church was built over them.
The Death and Sainthood of Saint Valentine
Most historical accounts agree that Saint Valentine was martyred between 270 and 280 AD. The Roman Catholic Church canonized him in 496 AD during the reign of Pope Gelasius I. Other Christian traditions, including Eastern Orthodoxy, Coptic Orthodoxy, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism, also recognize Saint Valentine.
Although his feast day was officially designated as February 14, it was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 by Pope Paul VI due to a lack of reliable historical information. However, it remains a widely recognized and celebrated holiday.
The Legacy of Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day
Saint Valentine was executed on February 14, around 269 AD. Over time, this date became associated with love and affection, leading to the modern celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Despite its origins in Christian tradition and martyrdom, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a secular holiday centered on romance, friendship, and expressions of love. Today, people around the world celebrate by exchanging gifts, cards, and acts of kindness.
Saint Valentine and Marriage
Saint Valentine is said to have secretly conducted Christian marriages despite Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young soldiers. The emperor believed that unmarried men made better soldiers, and Valentine’s defiance was seen as an act of rebellion.
According to legend, while imprisoned, Valentine befriended the jailer’s daughter and wrote her a farewell letter before his execution, signing it “From your Valentine.” This story is one of the earliest links between Saint Valentine and romantic love, a tradition that continues to this day.
Did Saint Valentine Perform Any Miracles?
One story attributes a miracle to Saint Valentine, linking it to his faith. According to this account, a Roman judge named Asterius challenged Valentine to prove the legitimacy of Jesus by restoring sight to his blind daughter. Valentine reportedly healed her, prompting Asterius and his entire household—over 44 people—to convert to Christianity. Afterward, Asterius freed Christian prisoners in honor of the miracle.
When Did Christians Begin Celebrating Valentine’s Day?
Although Saint Valentine’s Day was officially established in the late fifth century, it was not widely associated with romantic love until the fourteenth century. During the High Middle Ages, the tradition of writing love letters became popular among Christian couples, possibly giving rise to the modern practice of sending Valentine’s messages.
Over time, additional traditions, such as gifting chocolates, sweets, roses, and jewelry, were incorporated into the celebration. Even during the Reformation period, Valentine’s Day continued to be recognized among Protestant communities. Today, it is observed in various ways—some honor Saint Valentine’s legacy, while others celebrate with romantic gestures toward their loved ones.