With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, shops are over-flooded with teddy bears, fake roses and chocolates. Lovers and potential lovers receive gifts with open arms, without really knowing the history behind this day, celebrated around the world.
The History Channel compiled an article on the little known history on this day. It appears to contain traces of a Roman and Catholic background. According to history.com, the Catholic Church recognises at least three saints named Valentine. One legend says that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome. He disagreed with Emperor Claudius to make it against the law for young men to get married.
Other stories believe that Valentine got killed for helping Christians escape the harsh conditions of Roman prisons. “According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine sent the first Valentine’s card himself after falling in love with a young girl, believed to be the daughter of his jailor.” It is believed that he sent her a letter and signed it, “from your Valentine.” Although it is not entirely sure where exactly this day comes from, all the stories suggest that he was a very romantic figure.
In the Middle Ages, St Valentine became one of the most popular saints in England and France. Americans began to exchange handmade Valentine’s cards in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A Howland began selling the first mass-produced Valentine’s cards in America. Howland, known as the ‘Mother of the Valentine’, made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and pictures known as scrap.
Due to a marketing effort, Valentine’s Day is celebrated only in some Asian countries, with the Chinese and South Koreans spending the most money on Valentine’s Day. The feeling on this day varies, but no matter your decision, love will definitely be in the air on 14 February.
