Origins of Valentine’s Day: A Blend of Ancient Traditions

Flowerbee Singapore Florist delves into the fascinating floral history of Valentine’s Day. 

Valentine’s Day, celebrated every February 14, has a rich and intriguing history. While the exact origins are somewhat mysterious, we can trace its roots back to both Christian and ancient Roman traditions.

1. The Legend of St. Valentine:

   • The history of Valentine’s Day is intertwined with the story of Saint Valentine. However, there isn’t just one Saint Valentine; there are several contenders.
   • One legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the third century. When Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men (believing that single men made better soldiers), Valentine defied the decree and continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers.
   • Another version attributes the holiday to Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop who was also executed by Claudius II.
   • Regardless of which Valentine we credit, they all share a common thread: their appeal as sympathetic, heroic, and romantic figures.
   • Interestingly, it’s said that an imprisoned Valentine sent the first “valentine” greeting himself, expressing love to a young girl—possibly his jailer’s daughter—before his execution. He signed it “From your Valentine,” a phrase still used today.

2. Flowers and Valentine’s Day: A Victorian Tradition:

   • In the 17th century, flowers became an integral part of Valentine’s Day customs. Roses, in particular, took center stage.
   • The Victorians embraced the language of flowers, a system known as “floriography.” Each flower conveyed specific sentiments, allowing people to express emotions without saying a word.
   • Roses, especially red ones, symbolized passionate love. Venus, the classical goddess of love, was believed to favor roses.
   • As a result, giving roses on Valentine’s Day became a popular way to communicate affection and desire.

3. Geoffrey Chaucer’s Influence:

   • The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer played a pivotal role in shaping Valentine’s Day as a romantic celebration.
   • In his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” Chaucer associated Valentine’s Day with love and courtship, mentioning birds choosing their mates on this day.
   • His poetic influence helped solidify Valentine’s Day as a time for expressing romantic feelings.

4. The Red Rose Tradition:

   • The red rose, in particular, became synonymous with love and passion.
   • Victorians exchanged floral bouquets as coded messages. A red rose was the ultimate declaration of love.
   • Today, when you give someone a red rose on Valentine’s Day, you’re continuing a centuries-old tradition that speaks volumes without uttering a single word.

Next time you receive or give a bouquet of roses on Valentine’s Day, remember that you’re participating in a beautiful legacy—one that combines ancient rituals, romantic legends, and the timeless language of flowers.