Why We Celebrate Valentine's Day Every Year

Valentine's Day has been celebrated for centuries, and its origins can be traced back as early as ancient Rome. Even though the holiday is now associated with love and romance, it was originally intended to commemorate a Christian martyr. Here, we delve into the history of Valentine's Day and explore its evolution over the years.

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The Evolution of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has changed over the years, evolving from a religious tradition to one that is largely focused on love and romance. The holiday has become an international phenomenon, celebrated with heartfelt gestures such as giving flowers and chocolate, exchanging cards, and sharing stories of love. Valentine’s Day has also gained new traditions; for instance, single people often celebrate this day by participating in activities such as Galentine's Day. This modern version of the holiday celebrates friendship instead of romantic relationships.

The Enduring Symbolism of Love and Romance

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and romance that has come to be associated with symbols such as roses, chocolates, and cards. These symbols are enduring reminders of the expression of love that has spanned centuries and cultures across the world. Gifts exchanged on Valentine’s Day can symbolize care, appreciation, respect, admiration, and devotion — in essence, a demonstration of someone’s deepest feelings for another person.

Greek and Roman Mythology and St. Valentine's Story

Ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated Valentine's Day with a festival honoring Juno, the goddess of women, fertility, and marriage. Legends tell us that St. Valentine was a priest who broke the rule by marrying men and women in love. He was eventually executed by Roman authorities for his act of disobedience and February 14th became associated with notions of romance due to this story. Through time, we continue to celebrate love every February 14th in honor of his unwavering devotion to couples in love.

Pope Gelasius Declares ‘St Valentine’s Day’ in 496 AD

Pope Gelasius I declared St Valentine’s Day as an official liturgical feast day during the 5th century AD. Between the 5th and 15th centuries, it was commonly accepted that February 14th was associated with love and romance due to the stories of St Valentine’s marriage ceremonies. During this time, romantic poems were written expressing feelings of love and devotion exchanged between lovers. Many of these works still stand today as testament to the power of romantic love.

Celebrating Valentine's Day in the Modern Age

Today, Valentine’s Day is still widely celebrated in the modern world and continues to be a popular day for people to express their love and devotion. Celebrations range from romantic dinners and getaways, gifting flowers and jewellery, or simply expressing your feelings of love. The holiday has also taken shape in other forms - such as getting together with friends to celebrate Galentine’s Day or doing special activities with your children on Family Valentine’s Day.