The Ancient—and Sometimes Bloody—History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, observed globally on February 14th, epitomizes love and affection. Beyond its familiar showcase of chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards, lies an overlooked connection to military history, ancient Roman traditions and Christian customs. From these murky origins Valentine’s Day has undergone a remarkable transformation and evolved into the universal celebration of love we recognize today.

Bloody Valentines

Beyond its veneer of romance, Valentine’s Day has been a witness to some bloody history. One that jumps to mind is the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929, a grim event tied to Capone and the gangland killings that plagued Prohibition-era Chicago. Another storied event is the Battle of Cape St. Vincent on February 14, 1797, which showcased the naval brilliance of a young Commodore Horatio Nelson. During the battle, the British Royal Navy under the command of Admiral Sir John Jervis outmaneuvered and defeated a larger Spanish fleet in a critical victory during the Anglo-Spanish War.

Ancient Roman Origins

Valentine’s Day has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated from February 13th to 15th. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. It involved various rites, including the pairing of women and men by lottery.

The Name Valentine

Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a title that is believed to honor the martyrdom of two individuals: Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni, both of whom were executed by the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century A.D. The true identity of Saint Valentine is unclear, given the commonality of the name during that period and the sparse historical records. Often, Saint Valentine is identified with Valentine of Terni, a bishop who was allegedly martyred on February 14th, 269. Legend has it that he miraculously restored the sight of his judge’s daughter. Before his execution, he reportedly left her a note signed “from your Valentine,” a gesture that has inspired the modern tradition of exchanging love notes on this day.

Another St. Valentine’s Legend

Numerous legends surround St. Valentines. One popular story tells of a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s order banning marriage for young men, as he believed single men made better soldiers. The priest, Valentine, continued to perform marriages in secret, for which he was executed, becoming a martyr of love.

The Christianization of Lupercalia:

The association of Valentine’s Day with love and romance is not directly connected to the martyrdom of Saint Valentine. Instead, as Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, efforts to Christianize pagan celebrations took root. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day, replacing Lupercalia with a day to celebrate martyrdom. While the day began as a religious holiday, it would continue to evolve into something different.

The Romantic Evolution

The association of Valentine’s Day with romance began to solidify in the Middle Ages. By the 14th century, the day was firmly linked to love, largely due to Geoffrey Chaucer and his poem, “Parliament of Foules.” The poem honored the engagement of England’s Richard II and Anne of Bohemia, and it was the first to connect St. Valentine’s Day with romance.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, Valentine’s Day grew in popularity across England and Europe, with royals and nobles exchanging hand-crafted love notes. In the 19th century, with the rise of commercial printing technology, mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards began to replace handwritten letters, spreading the tradition to the American colonies.

Valentine’s Day Today

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various ways around the world. From the United States to Japan, it has become a significant cultural and commercial phenomenon, with people expressing their love through gifts, dinners, and romantic gestures. From its murky origins in ancient Rome to the global celebration of love it is today, Valentine’s Day has undergone a remarkable transformation, reminding us of the human desire to connect and celebrate our closest bonds.

Cocktails Associated with Valentine’s Day

If you’re looking for some cocktails and other suggestions to celebrate Valentine’s Day, here is a list of beverages and cocktails that are widely associated with the holiday:

• Champagne and Sparkling Wine: A classic choice for celebrations, champagne’s bubbly and light nature makes it a favorite for Valentine’s Day, toasts and other romantic moments.
• Red Wine: Known for its complexity and deep flavors, red wine is a popular choice for dinner dates, complementing meals and the romantic ambiance.
• Chocolate Martini: A dessert in a glass, combining chocolate liqueur with vodka, sometimes rimmed with cocoa powder or garnished with chocolate shavings.
• Negroni: For those preferring less sweet, more bitter flavors, a classic Negroni with its deep red color might be chosen for its balance and sophistication.
• Love Martini: Made with cranberry juice, peach schnapps, and vodka, often garnished with a heart-shaped strawberry.
• Strawberry Champagne Cocktails: Mixing champagne with a splash of strawberry puree or liqueur for a fruity twist on a classic.
• Rose and Lychee Martini: Incorporating floral notes that align with the bouquets often given on Valentine’s Day, this martini can blend vodka with rose syrup and lychee juice.