The surprising story behind Valentine’s Day

Whilst the origins of Valentine’s Day may be in dispute, it is generally agreed that the Catholic Church recognized at least three Saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of which became martyrs… writes Isabelle Bryan.

According to the first legend, having declared that single men made better soldiers, Roman Emperor Claudius II proceeded to make marriage illegal for young men. Shocked by this injustice, a priest named Valentine defied his order and performed marriages in secret to save young lovers from being sent to the front. He was promptly put to death for his actions.

The second priest, Saint Valentine of Terni, was reportedly beheaded just outside Rome, also during Claudius II’s reign. And the third one was killed for helping Christians escape the horrific conditions in Roman prisons. Before he died, he took the time to write a letter to a young girl who had visited him in prison, and with whom he had fallen in love. He signed the letter ‘From your Valentine’, a sign-off that remains in use to this very day.

For many of us, Valentine’s Day conjures up images of gifts of flowers, boxes of chocolates, or a dinner by candlelight (although that’s become less romantic and more obligatory in South Africa with loadshedding!).

But many countries around the world have their unique way of celebrating. It is widely believed that the origins of the first Valentine’s Day card can be found in France. Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415 when he was 21 years old, sent many love letters to his wife, most notably a poem in which he wrote to “My very gentle Valentine”.

In South Africa, valentine cards are often sent to romantic interests anonymously, a tradition believed to date back to the Victoria era in England. We can also thank the UK for the lovely tradition of giving red roses on Valentine’s Day. And the not so lovely tradition of huge price hikes in florists’ shops!

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about empowering women. On that day, women are encouraged to make the first move and declare their love by giving men gifts. A homemade chocolate named honmei-choco (which translates as “true feeling chocolate”) is a favourite gift only given to a romantic partner or love interest. Men can’t return gifts until March 14th, which is known as ‘White Day’, with white chocolate featuring at the top of the gift list.

In Estonia, February 14th is known as Friendship Day, an occasion to celebrate both friends and partners. Nobody needs to feel left out as cards and gifts are not only given to best friends but also to good neighbours. And if you live in Estonia and you’re feeling lonely, you can always hop on the singles only Love Bus, in the hope of meeting that very special person.

Finally, if you’re single and lucky enough to live in the countryside, don’t despair. You could always hug a cow as, according to a recent headline in the Daily Mail UK, India is urging people to ditch ‘Western’ Valentine’s Day and instead celebrate Cow Hug Day!

© Isabelle Bryan

Isabelle Bryan and Jenni Baxter are currently writing a book about love and lovers worldwide. They would love you to fill out their quick questionnaire here.