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February 2025
The Tradition of
Valentines Day
The history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in enigma, with its roots tracing back to both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. The Catholic Church recognises multiple saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. There are numerous legends surrounding these saints and their association with Valentine’s Day.
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One such legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the third century. Emperor Claudius II, believing that single men made better soldiers, outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, defying this decree, continued to marry young couples secretly. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered his execution.
It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. The French village called “Valentine” turns into the epicentre of romance between the 12th and 14th of February. One can see the beautiful yards, trees, and homes decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage.
In Slovenia, St Valentine is one of the patron saints of spring. It is believed that on February 14, plants start to regenerate as this day marks the first day of working in the fields for the New Year. There is another popular belief that birds ‘propose’ to each other on this day. In order to witness this occasion, one must walk barefoot through fields that are often still frozen.
In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with Friends and lovers with the exchange of handmade cards with pressed white flowers that are called snowdrops.
Valentines Day has become popular across the world as a day of love and gifting of flowers and chocolates.
Happy Valentines Day !
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