Valentine’s Day: A celebration more than 1500 years old

Valentine’s Day is approaching its 1530th year of history. Here are its origins.

I am writing this article on a Tuesday morning, June 8, 2026, at a time when Valentine’s Day is often seen as a highly commercialized celebration, filled with red roses, chocolates, and pre-written messages. Yet behind this modern image lies an ancient story, deeply rooted in human history.

A celebration older than we think

Contrary to popular belief, Valentine’s Day is not a modern invention. Its roots go back to Ancient Rome, long before it became associated with romantic love.

In mid-February, the Romans celebrated a pagan festival known as Lupercalia, dedicated to fertility, purification, and renewal. These rituals, sometimes considered excessive, were an integral part of Roman culture.

As Christianity expanded, the Church gradually sought to replace pagan traditions with Christian celebrations.

The official birth of Valentine’s Day

In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I officially established Valentine’s Day on February 14. The celebration honors Saint Valentine, a Christian priest who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.

According to tradition, Saint Valentine secretly performed marriages despite their prohibition by the emperor, who believed unmarried soldiers made better warriors. This act of faith and defiance is said to have led to his imprisonment and execution.

From Christian martyr to the celebration of love

It was not until the Middle Ages that Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love. In Europe, a popular belief held that birds began to mate around February 14, strengthening the symbolic connection between the date and love.

Writers and poets, including Geoffrey Chaucer, helped popularize this idea through their works, gradually transforming Valentine’s Day into a celebration of romantic affection.

A celebration shaped by modern times

Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day has evolved into what it is today. In many countries, it has become a universal celebration of love in all its forms:

• romantic love

• friendship

• family bonds

• self-love

Although its commercial aspect is now very prominent, the original message remains the same: to express love, care, and human connection.

Conclusion

More than 1500 years after its creation, Valentine’s Day continues to endure through the centuries. Behind the hearts and gifts lies a history shaped by beliefs, cultures, and human societies.

Whether one chooses to celebrate it or not, Valentine’s Day remains a timeless reminder of the importance of love in our lives.