Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest holidays in the world and one that has been celebrated for centuries on February 14th. But, do you ever wonder where the romantic day originated and what it’s all about?
In this blog, we explore everything Valentine’s Day traditions – from cupid and cards to gifting chocolates and flowers. Read on to learn all about the fascinating history of Valentine’s Day!
Where Does Valentine’s Day Come From?
Valentine’s Day has roots in several historical tales and accounts, with many tracing back to ancient Rome. The event is named after Saint Valentine (Valentinus), a Christian martyr executed on February 14th in the 3rd century AD. One account suggests he was killed for refusing to renounce his faith, while another tells of him healing his jailer’s daughter and, before his execution, writing her a letter signed “from your Valentine.”
Another theory suggests that St. Valentine was executed as he performed weddings for soldiers in love, who were forbidden to marry at all.
Valentine’s Day and Love Declaration
St. Valentines Day, before the 14th century, was centered around honouring the memory of St. Valentine. It was until this period of time that the event became more focused on romantic devotions and partnership.
The English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, is largely known for connecting Valentine’s Day with romance. Chaucer embraced the nature of poetry as a romantic tool during his life throughout the middle ages. He wrote a poem ‘The Parliament of Fowls’ which commemorated the engagement of King Richard II, describing birds gathering on St. Valentine’s Day in order to select their lifelong mates.
Valentine’s Day Cards History
If it’s true that Saint Valentine sent a letter to a woman declaring his love, then he was the very first person to send a ‘Valentine’s card’. However, many of the modern Valentine’s cards we’ve come to send in the modern day began to become a tradition during the 17th century.
Some Historians think that Valentine’s cards were inspired by a German tradition where cards of friendship, Freundschaftskarten, were exchanged. These handmade cards often featured beautiful decorative elements such as ribbons made of lace and contained inscribed declarations of love and appreciation.
However, when the modern printing press was invented in Germany, Valentine’s Day began to be commercialised, with many cards available to buy, already designed. In the U.K. today, approximately 25 million Valentine’s Day cards signed with kisses are sent each year!
Interesting Facts About Valentine’s Day
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most weird and wonderful facts about Valentine’s Day that you never knew:
In Victorian England, people sent vinegar valentines, insulting cards meant to reject unwanted admirers.
The heart shape, associated with love, may be inspired by a plant known as ‘Silphium’, which was also an ancient contraceptive.
In Wales, people traditionally give ‘love spoons’, which are wooden spoons to their lovers as tokens of affection.
Instead of giving red roses, which are associated with the Greek love Goddess, Aphrodite, in Denmark lovers exchange pressed white snowdrops.
William Shakespeare mentioned Valentine’s Day in “Hamlet” (Act IV, Scene 5) through Ophelia’s dialogue, linking the day to romance.
During the 17th century, Valentine’s Day was considered an auspicious day for weddings.
Valentine’s Day became widely popular in England during Queen Victoria’s reign, thanks to her romantic ideals.
In Iceland, it’s common to recite or write Rímur, romantic poems that date back to the medieval era.
Valentine’s Day Gifts Traditions
Romantic gifts are given on Valentine’s Day to express love for our partners and friends. In recent years, the development of ‘Galentine’s Day’ has picked up significantly, with girls choosing to exchange gifts to unconventionally mark the day.
During the 20th century, Erich Fromm emphasised the importance of giving beyond material objects. His philosophy advocated for the gift of experiences and emotional depth, which transformed the way in which people began to approach Valentine’s Day.
Contrastingly, the Industrial Revolution brought about a wide range of commercial gifts for Valentine’s Day, namely artificial flowers, jewellery, and sweets. These gifts quickly became the norm for Valentine’s Day, with people enjoying convenience and variety.
In today’s society, many choose to think of both material and experiential gifts for lovers and friends. With this said items like chocolates and flowers are still highly popular options for Valentine’s Day gifts in 2025.
Sweets Valentine’s Day Gifts
For anyone searching for playful and indulgent sweets for Valentine’s Day, we have a fantastic range of options for the loved one in your life. No matter whether you’re searching for a Valentine’s gift for a friend or a romantic partner, our large selection of sweets including favourites like Love Hearts sweets, Valentine’s mix bags, and heart sweet jars are all available to buy now!