A Brief History of the Origins of Valentine’s Day

The worldwide day of love is quickly approaching, and it’s never too late to start planning a special evening with a loved one or friends. However, the history of Valentine’s day is quite interesting, and our modern interpretation of the holiday is quite different from its humble beginnings. If you’re interested in learning more about this global celebration, here is a brief history of the origins of Valentine’s Day!

Ancient Origins

The Romans were the first to celebrate the holiday that eventually became Valentine’s Day. Theirs was called “Lupercalia,” and their festivities were quite salacious. Skipping over the “not suitable for work” practices, the Romans would party from February 13-15 as they took to the streets and expressed their love for their community and culture. Individuals would draw names from a jar and couple up for the three-day celebration, often leading to more permanent relationships!

The holiday that we know today most likely stemmed from the murders of two men named Valentine at the hands of Emperor Claudius II during the third century. Their murders occurred on February 14 in different years, and the Catholic Church later instated a memorial holiday named Valentine’s Day.

The Shakespeare Era and On

Luckily, Valentine’s Day turned to focus on appreciating loved ones in our lives, and famous playwright Shakespeare helped popularize the holiday in the western world. His love stories often featured nods to Valentine’s Day, and it became customary to pass out notes of affection to friends and family.

Shakespeare’s influence continued to blossom as time passed, eventually becoming a societal custom for many Americans. During the Industrial Revolution, a small company from Kansas City named Hallmark began producing Valentine’s Day cards for the general public in 1913.

Modern Valentine’s Day

After the commercialization of Valentine’s Day, this holiday became a money cow for many businesses. This is primarily due to the societal infatuation of a holiday just for love, and many Americans were eager to spend a bit more for a lovely evening.

Luckily, this day still possesses charm, and couples all across the nation still plan funny Valentine’s Day surprises for their loved ones. Modern traditions include gifting candy, jewelry, and sharing a romantic dinner.

After reading a brief history of the origins of Valentine’s Day, it’s natural to be shocked at how different the celebration is now. However, the beauty of this holiday is the love shared between friends, significant others, and family. Make your own traditions this February 14, and spend quality time with the people you care for the most!