Happy Valentine’s Day: Who was St Valentine and why do we celebrate on February 14?

As one of the most widely celebrated holidays globally, Valentine’s Day offers a special occasion for couples to celebrate their relationship and for friends and family to show appreciation for one another.

Who was St. Valentine, and why do we celebrate on February 14?

Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, who was a Catholic priest in Rome in the third century. (Wikipedia Commons)

Valentine’s Day has a long history, traceable to ancient Rome; originally focused on the festival of Lupercalia, a pre-Christian festival in mid-February, the day had a fertility and springtime association.

As Christianity spread, the festival merged with the feast of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who was famous for deeds of love and kindness, one of which was marrying couples secretly in an age when such was forbidden.

During the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day was associated with romantic acts and courtly love, a trend that continued to spread via poetry and literature.

In today’s modern world, the day has become increasingly a global celebration of love and affection and is marked by the exchange of cards, flowers, and gifts, showing the continued popularity of showing love and appreciation.

Valentine’s Day 2025 Significance and Celebrations:

Valentine’s Day celebrates love and affection in different ways, with the day’s significance recognizing and honouring the ties that link people, whether couples, friends, or family members.

On this day, people express their gratitude, love, and dedication to those who mean the most to them. (PTI Photo)

Valentine’s Day not only builds personal bonds but also shows how everyone needs love and kindness in our fast-changing world.

ALSO READ: Dark vs. milk chocolate: Here’s what to gift your valentine on February 14

Couples, friends, and families mark this day by exchanging heartfelt cards, giving flowers, sharing chocolates, and offering gifts to each other.

All in all, the day stands out for its focus on sharing and getting love, with people all over the world looking forward to this special time to express how they feel about those close to them.