Legends of Valentine's Day
By Trần Thy Vân 7.1
Did you know that on the 14th of February annually, over 250 million roses are sold around the world? Valentine’s Day, otherwise known as Saint Valentine’s Day or The Feast of Saint Valentine, is a holiday that symbolizes love and is celebrated in over 30 countries worldwide. In our modern world, Valentine’s Day is a commercial celebration—but have you ever wondered where it came from and how it became commercialized? In this article, we’ll take a trip back into ancient Rome and uncover the mysterious legends of this romantic holiday.
Defying authority and nurturing romance:
The exact origin of Valentine’s Day isn’t confirmed yet, but there are a number of legends surrounding the 14th of February and St. Valentine—mainly in ancient Rome. One version tells a fable under Emperor Claudius II’s reign, dating back to the 3rd century. Although it was strictly prohibited by law, St. Valentine was a priest who performed confidential marriages for young lovers. Claudius II believed that unmarried soldiers performed better, but St. Valentine saw nothing but injustice in the decree. He was caught shortly after his decision to defy the emperor. His execution took place on the 14th of February, A.D. 270—which, as of today, marks Valentine’s Day.
Bede’s Martyrology—restoring sight and grace:
As found in Bede’s Martyrology in the 8th century, the same events take place. Bede states that St. Valentine turned down Emperor Claudius II’s invitation to Roman paganism and instead attempted to convert him into Christianity. Hence, the emperor declared that he’d be jailed and beheaded. Prior to his martyrdom, he brought sight to the jailer’s blind daughter, Julia, and wrote her a letter that was signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell. In addition, it was reported that he was able to successfully convert the jailer’s household to Christianity, and they were baptized before his death.
Development:
Ever since its founding in ancient Rome, Valentine’s Day has come a long way in history. The first recorded connection between Valentine’s Day and romantic love was in the poem “Parliament of Fowls," written by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1382, to honor the anniversary of King Richard II's marriage to Anne of Bohemia. It later gained attention in the 15th century, referenced in popular literature works such as Ophelia (William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, 1600–1601) or John Donne’s Epithalamion to Elizabeth Stuart, who was married on Valentine’s Day. In England, the custom of gift-giving emerged in the 1700s through the 1800s, spreading rapidly to the English-speaking world. After Asian countries adapted this holiday in the late 20th century, many people believed that Valentine’s Day became a commercialized “Hallmark holiday.”
To conclude, Valentine’s Day is rich in cultural background and history, regardless of being commercialized. This occasion represents the power that love has had over us since the earliest of times—embodying St. Valentine’s sacrifices and bravery against authority. By preserving this custom, not only are we upholding a part of history, but we’re also reminding everyone that all love is deserving of our cherishment, no matter what forms it comes in.
