February 14, 2025 | 11:48 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amid the hustle and bustle of modern life, Valentine's Day emerges as a special moment marked by the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts between couples. However, behind this colorful celebration lies a long and complex history that intertwines ancient Roman traditions, Christian legends, and medieval poetry.
Valentine's Day, celebrated every February 14, is a day of love and a cultural phenomenon that has evolved over centuries, according to britannica.com.
The origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration held in mid-February to mark the arrival of spring. This festival involved a series of fertility rites and a unique process of pairing women with men through a lottery system.
By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I officially replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day. However, the association of Valentine's Day with romance only became popular around the 14th century, strongly influenced by the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, an English poet who linked the day to romantic love through his poetry.
There are several stories about who St. Valentine was, all referring to Christian martyrs. One of the most popular stories tells of a priest martyred around 270 AD by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to legend, this priest wrote a letter to the jailer's daughter, whom he had healed from blindness, signing it with "from your Valentine," a phrase that later became a symbol of Valentine's Day.
Another version mentions St. Valentine of Terni, a bishop who is also believed to be the namesake of this celebration. Intriguingly, it is possible that both figures were the same person. Another legend states that St. Valentine defied the emperor’s orders by secretly marrying couples to prevent husbands from being conscripted into the military, further associating the day with love and commitment.
The tradition of sending formal messages or "valentines" began in the 15th century, and by the late 18th century, commercially printed cards appeared to be used. In the United States, commercial Valentine’s card production started in the mid-19th century. These cards often featured Cupid, the Roman god of love, and hearts, which were believed to be the center of emotions.
Besides the United States, Valentine’s Day is popular in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other countries such as Argentina, France, Mexico, and South Korea. In the Philippines, it is even a popular date for mass weddings. Additionally, the day has evolved into an opportunity to express affection among friends and family, with schoolchildren often exchanging Valentine’s cards.
In the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer, the Father of English Literature, wrote poetry that linked St. Valentine’s Day to romantic love. Chaucer’s poem, along with the works of other writers of the time, helped shape the narrative that Valentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate love and affection between individuals, rather than merely a fertility rite or a religious observance.
In a modern context, Valentine’s Day is often considered a prime example of commercialization. However, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of love and interpersonal relationships. While some criticize the day for being overly materialistic, many people worldwide view it as a chance to express their feelings to those they cherish, keeping it relevant in contemporary society.
Through its long and diverse history, Valentine’s Day has evolved from an ancient fertility rite into a global celebration of love and affection. Although its commercial aspects often dominate the modern narrative, the essence of Valentine’s Day remains strong—a day to celebrate and appreciate human relationships in all forms.
Editor's Choice: Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas for Your Loved One
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
8 Romantic Netflix Films to Watch on Valentine's Day
21 menit lalu
Valentine's Day can be celebrated by watching romantic movies with your partner. Here are a number of romantic Netflix films that you can watch.
Last-Minute Valentine's Day Gifts: Thoughtful Ideas for Your Loved One
21 jam lalu
Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Don't worry! Finding a heartfelt, last-minute present is possible. Check out the curated list, here.
Valentine's Day: DAMRI Offers Special Promo for February 14 Bookings
1 hari lalu
DAMRI is offering a special promotion for Valentine's Day, including to and from Soekarno-Hatta routes, Intercity and Interprovincial transportation.
8 Valentine's Day Solo Traveling Tips
1 hari lalu
If you are interested in going on a vacation alone on Valentine's Day, here are tips for traveling solo.
Book Early! Here Are 8 Valentine's Day Restaurants to Dine in New York City
3 hari lalu
New York City offers an array of Valentine's Day restaurants that set the stage for an unforgettable evening filled with a romantic atmosphere.
7 Best Places for Romantic Getaway: Perfect for Couples
8 hari lalu
Elevate your Valentine's Day celebration with a romantic escape. Discover the best places for a romantic getaway in 2025 here.
8 Valentine's Day Getaways for a Romantic Escape with Your Loved Ones
9 hari lalu
Looking for the ultimate Valentine's Day getaway? These 8 destinations are perfect for a romantic escape with your loved one this February 14.
Top 6 Best Places for Valentine's Day 2025: The Ultimate Romantic Getaways
9 hari lalu
As Feb. 14th approaches, the question "What are the best places for Valentine's Day?" arise. Discover a list of must-visit romantic destinations here.
List of 8 Museums in the World Opening This Year
11 hari lalu
Currently, many museums are built with different themes and diverse collections, also, there are eight museums that will open in 2025.
7 Most Valuable Coins in History, Worth Millions
28 hari lalu
This article unveils the most valuable coins in history, highlighting not only their unique designs but also the historical value they carry.
