Valentine’s Day originated from a blend of ancient Roman and Christian traditions, evolving from the chaotic fertility festival of Lupercalia into a day honouring St. Valentine. By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I established February 14th to honour Christian martyrs named Valentine, who were executed for defying Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples. ¹ The oldest known Valentine’s message is a 15th-century poem by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned. By the 18th and 19th centuries, swapping handmade cards and gifts became popular in England and the US. In the 19th century, Valentine’s Day evolved into a mass-produced, commercialized holiday, with companies like Hallmark Cards started mass production in 1913.²
What the “Valentine’s Day” Celebration is:
14ᵗʰ February (Valentine’s Day celebration) is a day to celebrate love, affection, and connection. This simply means sending notes to special friends and people one cares about on Valentine’s Day. It is essential that the notes and messages you send accurately express what you want to say and what you truly believe. Also, phone calls or meetings to share life experiences and achievements are a part of this day. Another thing about this day is sharing love with partners, friends, and family, which is an expression of your sincere love for your partner, creating a healthy bond, and reaching out to family members. Giving gifts, messages, and time to loved ones is also an external manifestation of what Valentine’s Day is; hence, love on this day can be expressed through giving gifts, sending messages or calls, and finding quality time for your loved ones. Finally, embracing emotions, care, and appreciation: to be emotionally connected, show care, and appreciate each other, no matter the situation.
What Valentine’s Day Celebration is not:
Valentine’s Day is not just about couples or romance: not just about married people and definitely not all about romantic affairs. Also, Valentine is “not a must-do thing”; therefore, if you do not vibe with it or you have some doubt for it, it is not a must to venture into it. Valentine’s Day is “not about materialism or pressure”, celebrate this day with only what you have, what you can afford, and what you will be comfortable with. Do not be pressured for anything. It should be noted that love never goes out of style, so Valentine’s Day is not just celebrated on February 14. Finally, it is not a day to engage in or initiate immoral behaviour. It is “not a day for immorality of any kind.”
Valentine’s Day is primarily a personal experience. Would you like to spread kindness, happiness, and love? Do not hesitate. Today is not the day to engage in evil or immoral behaviour. Finally, Valentine’s Day is a time for people to express their love and kindness to others. Whether you spend it with a partner, a group of friends, or in quiet reflection, the true value of the day is found in the sincerity of the gesture rather than the cost.
1 History.com Editors. 2024. “History of Valentine’s Day.” History.com. Last modified January 17, 2024.
2 Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Saint Valentine,” Britannica.com, accessed February 12, 2026.
S. Edor Godwin Idoko, SDB