Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

Every year on February 14, the world pauses to celebrate love. Restaurants glow with candlelight, roses exchange hands, and handwritten notes find their way into waiting hearts. Yet, beyond the chocolates, flowers, and grand gestures lies a centuries-old story filled with courage, myth, and unexpected traditions that have shaped Valentine’s Day into what it is today.

The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to ancient Rome and a figure remembered as Saint Valentine. According to legend, during Emperor Claudius II’s reign, marriage was banned for young men, as it was believed single soldiers fought better. Defying the order, Valentine secretly united couples in marriage. When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and later executed on February 14. His sacrifice transformed him into a symbol of devotion, forever linking his name with love and loyalty.

The romantic association of the day deepened during the Middle Ages. In England and France, people believed mid-February marked the beginning of birds pairing for the season, reinforcing the connection between the date and romance. Writers like Geoffrey Chaucer further immortalised this belief, weaving themes of love and courtship into poetry that elevated Valentine’s Day into a cultural tradition.

Valentine's Day

No symbol captures the spirit of the occasion quite like Cupid, the winged figure often seen carrying a bow and arrow. In Roman mythology, Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. His arrows were said to possess magical powers, a golden arrow could spark instant love, while a lead arrow could create indifference. Over time, his playful image became synonymous with romance, appearing on greeting cards and decorations as a symbol of love’s unpredictability and charm.

The exchange of Valentine’s Day cards, now one of the most recognisable traditions, has a history of its own. One of the earliest recorded Valentine messages was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. By the 17th and 18th centuries, people in Europe had begun sharing handwritten notes adorned with hearts and verses. In the 19th century, American entrepreneur Esther Howland popularised printed Valentine cards, making them widely accessible and turning the tradition into a cultural phenomenon.

Interestingly, Valentine’s Day was not always filled with sweetness. In the 1800s, so-called “Vinegar Valentines” offered a stark contrast. These were sarcastic or mocking cards, often sent anonymously, meant to tease or criticise the recipient. Though some saw them as playful humour, others experienced them as hurtful. Over time, as the day’s meaning evolved, such practices faded, replaced by a stronger emphasis on affection and positivity.

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Today, Valentine’s Day has grown beyond its romantic roots. In countries like Finland and Estonia, February 14 is celebrated as “Friend’s Day,” honouring bonds of friendship alongside romantic relationships. Around the world, the occasion has expanded to embrace self-love, companionship, and appreciation in all its forms.

What began as a story of quiet defiance in ancient Rome has blossomed into a global celebration of human connection. Beneath the modern rituals lies a timeless message, that love, in all its expressions, continues to inspire, unite, and endure across generations.