Ah, Valentine’s Day! The day of roses, chocolate, and romantic cards. But where does this day actually come from? Is it just a clever invention of shopkeepers, or is there more behind this worldwide phenomenon? Time to dive into history and unravel the mystery of Valentine’s Day!

The story of Saint Valentine

There are several legends about the origin of Valentine’s Day, but the most well-known goes back to a Christian priest named Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century AD. At that time, the Roman emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry because he thought they would make better soldiers if they remained single. Valentine found this unjust and secretly married loving couples. When the emperor discovered this, Valentine was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14.

According to the legend, just before his death he sent a letter to the daughter of his jailer, whom he was said to have healed from blindness. He signed the letter with "From your Valentine" – a phrase still used on Valentine’s cards today.

The shift to a celebration of love

Although the origin is tragic, Valentine’s Day became more and more a celebration of love and romance in the centuries that followed. In the Middle Ages, people believed that February 14 was the day when birds chose their mates, which added to the romantic atmosphere of the day. Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about Valentine’s Day in their works, and soon it became an occasion to surprise loved ones with love letters and flowers.

From handwritten letters to mass production

In the 18th and 19th centuries, people began sending Valentine’s cards in large numbers. Especially in England and America, it became a popular tradition. Thanks to the industrial revolution, cards could be printed in large runs, making them accessible to everyone. Today there are countless ways to show your love, from personalized gifts to lavish dinners – but the thought behind Valentine’s Day remains the same: to let someone know how much you care for them.

How is Valentine’s Day celebrated worldwide?

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in different ways around the world. In Japan, for example, women give chocolate to men, and a month later (on "White Day") men give something back. In Denmark, lovers send each other snowdrops instead of roses. And in some countries, like Finland, Valentine’s Day is more about friendship than romance.

Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day

Whether you are planning a romantic evening or just want to show your appreciation to friends and family, Valentine’s Day is the moment to reflect on love in all its forms. Here are some ideas:

• Write a personal letter or card.
• Plan a surprise date or organise a home cinema.
• Give a gift with emotional value, such as a photo album full of memories.
• Send a bunch of fragrant roses to your beloved or a good friend as a surprise. This classic symbol of love and appreciation is always a bullseye.

Conclusion
Although Valentine’s Day has evolved over the centuries, the essence remains the same: to celebrate love and show that you care for someone. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, what matters is that you do it your way. For as Valentine taught us: true love knows no bounds!