Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on February 14th, is a global holiday dedicated to expressing love and affection. Originating in ancient Roman and Christian traditions, the day takes its name from the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, although several legends refer to Saint Valentine that tradition refers to. Over the centuries, it has developed into an important cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions worldwide.

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What is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day, often referred to as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is an annual commemoration held on February 14th, dedicated to celebrating romantic love, friendship and esteem.

Originating from both Christian and ancient Roman traditions, the day has evolved to become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration in many regions around the world. On this day, it is customary for individuals to express their affections towards partners, family and friends through various gestures.

These expressions commonly include the exchange of cards, often adorned with romantic symbols such as hearts, and gifts like chocolates, flowers, and teddy bears. The predominant color palette associated with the day encompasses shades of red and pink, both symbolizing love and passion. Over time, these traditions have entrenched themselves, making Valentine’s Day a pivotal occasion to recognize and commemorate romantic relationships and bonds of friendship.

The History of Valentine’s Day

The ancient Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to the god of agriculture, Faunus, and to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus, from February 13th to 15th. However, the linkage between this pagan festival and the Christian observance of Valentine’s Day is a subject of scholarly debate. Some historians believe that the Christian church may have placed St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.

Saint Valentine, from whom the day gets its name, is a title attributed to multiple Christian martyrs. The most frequently referenced St. Valentine was a Roman priest who lived in the third century. Legend suggests that he defied the orders of Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying young couples. The emperor had decreed that young men remain single, believing that bachelors made better soldiers. Valentine, regarding this decree as unjust, would secretly wed couples, an act that eventually led to his martyrdom.

In the Middle Ages, it was popularly believed in France and England that February 14th marked the beginning of the birds’ mating season, which added to the notion that the date should be celebrated as a day of romance. By the 17th century, Valentine’s Day had evolved into an occasion in which lovers would express their affection for one another through the exchange of notes and gifts.

The commercialization of Valentine’s Day in the United States began in the 19th century. Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of the American Valentine,” started selling the first mass-produced valentines in the 1840s. The tradition of card-giving has since persisted, making Valentine’s Day a significant economic and cultural event in contemporary societies worldwide.

Valentine’s Day symbols

Valentine’s Day possesses an array of symbols and iconography that have evolved over the centuries. These symbols, deeply entrenched in both historical and cultural contexts, play a pivotal role in how the day is commemorated and understood worldwide.

The Heart: A universally recognized symbol of love and affection, the heart is often rendered in a stylized form and prominently features in Valentine’s Day cards, decorations and gifts. Historically and across various cultures, the heart has been regarded as the locus of emotions, especially love.
Cupid: Originating from Roman mythology, Cupid is the winged god of love, often depicted as a cherub with a bow and arrows. Those struck by his arrows are said to fall in love. This iconography derives from the Greek god Eros, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of love.
Roses: Particularly red roses are emblematic of Valentine’s Day, representing deep love and affection. Historically linked to the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess Venus, roses have long been associated with love and passion.
Chocolates: Synonymous with Valentine’s Day celebrations in recent centuries, chocolates, especially those in heart-shaped boxes, symbolize sweetness and affection in relationships. Their introduction as symbols of romance can be traced back to their European debut in the 16th century, where they were revered as luxurious treats.
Handwritten Notes or “Valentines”: Often adorned with poetic verses, these notes are personal tokens of admiration and affection. Historically, the tradition of exchanging handwritten messages dates back centuries and has evolved with the inclusion of printed cards.
Doves: Frequently associated with Aphrodite and Venus, doves symbolize love and peace. Their monogamous nature, where they often have one mate for life, further solidifies their status as emblems of enduring love.
Love Knots: These are a series of interlacing loops with no start or finish. Historically, love knots represent an eternal bond and love that has neither a beginning nor an end.
Lace and Ribbons: Derived from the Latin word ‘lacques’, meaning to snare or net, lace is often associated with catching a person’s heart. Along with ribbons, they often adorn Valentine’s Day gifts and cards, symbolizing the ties of love.

These symbols are steeped in tradition, encapsulating the sentiments and essence of Valentine’s Day, enriching the way love and affection are expressed and celebrated across the globe.

Meaning of the heart shape on Valentine’s Day

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, the heart shape emerges as one of the most quintessential symbols of the day.

If you research as LotusBuddhas did, you will realize that the heart shape has been a symbol of many different civilizations, long before it became associated with the modern concept of romantic love. In ancient cultures, the heart was often considered the center of emotions and consciousness. You can observe that the ancient Egyptians, for instance, believed the heart, or ‘ib’, were the center of life and morality, holding considerable weight in the journey to the afterlife.

However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages in Europe that the heart shape, as you recognize it today, began to be commonly associated with the idea of romantic love. During this period, works of art and literature began to use the heart as a symbol of love and devotion. For example, you will see that in the 13th and 14th centuries, European manuscripts depicted romantic love scenes with the heart symbol.

The question of why this particular shape became synonymous with the heart and love remains a subject of debate among historians. Some suggest it was influenced by the shape of ivy leaves, which are associated with fidelity, while others believe it was inspired by the shape of the silphium seed, a plant used in ancient times as a seasoning and, reputedly, as a contraceptive.

By the Renaissance, this symbolic conflation was well-established. You can see the heart shape often adorned on playing cards, artworks, and in religious iconography, where it often symbolizes sacred and divine love.

Today, on Valentine’s Day, when you encounter or exchange heart-shaped cards, chocolates, and other tokens of affection, you are participating in a tradition centuries in the making. This shape serves as an immediate and universally understood representation of love, affection and emotional connection.

Valentine’s Day traditions around the world

Valentine’s Day, observed annually on February 14th, is a global celebration of love and affection. While many associate it with romantic love, traditions vary significantly across cultures and nations.

United States: Customarily, individuals exchange cards, chocolates, flowers, and gifts with their loved ones. It’s common for schools to host card-exchanging activities for students, and for couples to celebrate with romantic dinners.
United Kingdom: Historically, individuals exchanged handwritten notes. Today, cards and gifts are common, and certain regions also uphold ancient customs. For instance, in Norfolk, a character called ‘Jack Valentine’ might leave small gifts for children on their doorsteps.
France: Often considered a hub of romance, France witnesses exchanges of cards and gifts. Historically, there was a custom called “loterie d’amour” or “drawing for love” where individuals paired off in houses facing opposite each other.
Japan: The celebration is unique, with women presenting chocolates to men. ‘Giri-choco’ is gifted to friends or colleagues, while ‘Honmei-choco’ is reserved for romantic interests. A month later, on March 14th, White Day is observed where men reciprocate with gifts.
South Korea: Similar to Japan, women give chocolates to men on February 14th. Men reciprocate on White Day in March. Additionally, on April 14th, those who did not receive any gifts mourn their single status by consuming black noodles, a tradition known as ‘Black Day’.
Brazil: Valentine’s Day is overshadowed by Carnival season. Instead, ‘Dia dos Namorados’ or ‘Lovers’ Day’ is celebrated on June 12th with music festivals and performances. Gift exchanges and romantic dinners are customary.
Italy: Historically, young couples would listen to music under the balcony of their beloved on Valentine’s Day. Today, gift exchanges, particularly chocolates, are common, and it’s traditional to gift ‘Baci Perugina’, a hazelnut-filled chocolate accompanied by poetic love notes.
Denmark: ‘Gaekkebrev’, or joking letters, are a unique Danish tradition. These are funny poems or rhymes sent anonymously, with the sender leaving a clue using dots corresponding to each letter of their name.
South Africa: Along with modern celebrations, some women wear their hearts on their sleeves, quite literally, by pinning the names of their crushes on their shirts.
Philippines: Mass wedding ceremonies have become a prominent Valentine’s Day tradition, where hundreds of couples gather at public areas to be married or renew their vows collectively.
Spain: In Catalonia, ‘El Dia de la Rosa’ (The Day of the Rose) and ‘El Dia del Llibre’ (The Day of the Book) are celebrated where couples exchange roses and books.

Globally, while the meaning of Valentine’s Day remains consistent, the expressions of love and traditions surrounding the day are as diverse as the cultures that celebrate it. This day, no matter how it is celebrated, emphasizes humanity’s appreciation for the bonds of love and affection.

Some romantic Valentine’s Day quotes

In literature, art, and everyday discourse, the theme of love is omnipresent. When you consider Valentine’s Day, it serves as an occasion to underscore and celebrate this timeless sentiment. Here are some romantic quotes that LotusBuddhas has compiled so you can use them to surprise your loved ones:

“You know you are in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” – Dr. Seuss
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
“For you, a thousand times over.” – Khaled Hosseini, “The Kite Runner”
“You have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you.” – Jane Austen, “Pride and Prejudice”
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.” – A.A. Milne
“You and I, it’s as though we have been taught to kiss in heaven and sent down to earth together, to see if we know what we were taught.” – Boris Pasternak, “Doctor Zhivago”
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” – David Viscott
“Where there is great love, there are always wishes.” – Willa Cather
“In case you ever foolishly forget: I am never not thinking of you.” – Virginia Woolf

As you reflect on these quotes, you’ll find they capture the profound essence of love, its challenges and rewards. On Valentine’s Day, and indeed every day, these words serve as a testament to the power and depth of romantic feelings.

Ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, with its rich history, offers a myriad of ways to celebrate love and affection. Depending on personal preferences and cultural nuances, you can partake in traditional customs or forge new traditions of your own. If you don’t know what to do, please refer to the following ways that LotusBuddhas would like to suggest to you so you can enjoy the best things on this romantic day:

Personalized Gifts: Instead of opting for conventional presents, you can select or craft personalized gifts, ensuring a unique touch. A handwritten letter or a curated playlist tailored to the recipient’s tastes can often convey sentiments more profoundly than generic offerings.
Intimate Dinner: You might consider preparing a special meal at home or booking a reservation at a distinguished restaurant. The act of sharing a carefully chosen or prepared meal enhances bonding and fosters intimacy.
Experience-based Gifts: Rather than tangible gifts, you can invest in experiences, such as tickets to a concert, a play, or a weekend getaway. These shared experiences often lead to the creation of cherished memories.
Revisiting Firsts: You can commemorate the day by revisiting the location of your first date or recreating another significant ‘first’ from your relationship. This act serves as a poignant reminder of the journey you’ve undertaken together.
Cultural Diversions: To celebrate, you might opt to explore art or history by visiting museums, art galleries, or attending cultural performances, intertwining the celebration of love with intellectual and aesthetic enrichment.
Acts of Kindness: Valentine’s Day isn’t solely about romantic love. You can seize this day as an opportunity to express gratitude and affection towards family, friends, or even strangers. Simple acts, such as sending appreciation notes or volunteering, can infuse the day with broader significance.
Wellness Activities: You can choose to engage in wellness or self-care activities, either alone or with a partner. Booking a spa day, practicing yoga, or even taking a nature walk can be rejuvenating and can serve as a testament to the importance of self-love and wellbeing.
Learning Together: You might consider enrolling in a workshop or class together. Whether it’s dancing, pottery, or a cooking class, learning a new skill can be both fun and bonding.
Digital Celebration: If you’re separated by distance, you can still make the day special. Virtual date nights, online games, or simply video calling to reminisce and share can bridge the geographical divide.
Time Capsule: To mark the day, you can create a time capsule, filling it with mementos, letters, and significant trinkets from the year. Set a future date to open it together, providing an opportunity to reflect on growth and changes.

LotusBuddhas would like to remind you that, when you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with your loved one, remember that its essence lies not in grand gestures but in sincere expressions of love and appreciation. Whatever method of celebration you choose, it is the sentiment and intention behind it that will give the day its true meaning, and of course your partner will recognize and love you even more.

Reference more: 10+ Most Loved Valentine’s Day Gifts

What is Valentine’s Day? History, Meaning and Celebration