Light Up With Love

The historical origin of Saint Valentine is complex because the name ‘Valentine’ refers to one or more Christian martyrs from the third century linked to Rome, whose biographies were passed down with little verifiable information. As a result, many popular stories (secret weddings, love letters, etc.) are late traditions rather than proven facts. Nevertheless, the date of 14 February became associated with his memory, and the Catholic Church continues to recognise him as a saint, although his celebration was removed from the general Roman calendar in 1969 precisely because of the lack of reliable information about his life.

It is often said that the holiday ‘comes from’ Lupercalia, a Roman festival in mid-February, but it is more prudent (and what serious sources maintain) to say that this relationship is a hypothesis based on the similarity of dates and themes, with limited historical evidence and no demonstrable direct link. The clear connection with romantic love appeared much later, in the Middle Ages: authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer were among the first to associate ‘St. Valentine's Day’ with matchmaking and courtship in works such as Parliament of Fowls, and from there the date evolved culturally.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, messages, cards and small gifts had become popular, and with mass printing and commerce, the day became established as a social celebration of affection and gifts, which is the basis of the modern campaign.