Valentine’s Day may be over, but we can share love with those we cherish the most every day, right? This celebration is widely recognized as a celebration of love, filled with heartfelt messages, romantic gestures, and thoughtful gifts. But how did February 14 become synonymous with romance? Well, the journey of Valentine’s Day is a fascinating blend of history, myth, and tradition. Today, we are taking you to explore it!
- Lupercalia (3rd Century BCE)
Before Valentine’s Day existed, Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival held on February 13-15, was dedicated to Faunus, the god of fertility, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remu. This festival involved sacrifices, purification rituals, and a matchmaking lottery, where men drew women’s names to form temporary or lasting partnerships. - St. Valentine’s Feast Day (3rd Century CE)
Then, Lupercalia was replaced by St. Valentine, a 3rd-century priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages by secretly marrying couples. When discovered, he was arrested and executed on February 14, 269 CE. According to the legend, he sent a farewell note to his jailer’s daughter, signed “From your Valentine”. His acts of love and sacrifice made his feast day evolve into Valentine’s Day. - Modern Day Valentine’s Day
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide to honor love. Every country and culture has different ways to celebrate this special day. In Japan and South Korea, women give chocolates to men on February 14 and they shall return gifts on White Day on March 14. Meanwhile, in Finland and Estonia, this celebration is known as Friend’s Day to celebrate love between friends!
How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, Panmates? Share your stories with us down below!