Birthday
HydrangeasOn 14 February many countries celebrate Valentine's Day, the holiday of lovers. Let's look at what is reliably known about Valentine himself, how a saint's day became a day of love, where valentine cards came from and how the holiday is celebrated around the world, including in Ukraine.
Flowers for the holiday are in our red roses and 101 roses sections.
Who Saint Valentine was
Very little historical information about Valentine survives. Church tradition knows at least two third-century martyrs of that name — a Roman priest and a bishop of Terni — executed in the Roman Empire and commemorated on 14 February; they may be different versions of the story of one person. Popular tales of secret weddings for legionaries despite a ban by Emperor Claudius II, or of a farewell note signed "from your Valentine", appeared much later and are not supported by documents.
In 1969 the Catholic Church removed Saint Valentine's feast from the General Roman Calendar precisely because reliable information is lacking, although he is still listed among the saints.
How a saint's day became a day of love
The link between 14 February and romantic love first appears clearly in English literature of the late 14th century: in Geoffrey Chaucer's poem "Parliament of Fowls" the birds choose their mates "on Saint Valentine's day". The idea quickly caught on at European courts. The holiday is also often traced to the Roman Lupercalia, held in mid-February, but historians have not proven a direct connection.
A history of valentine cards
- 1415. Poems that Charles, Duke of Orléans, wrote to his wife while a prisoner in England are considered among the earliest surviving Valentine love letters.
- 17th–18th centuries. Exchanging notes and handwritten verses becomes a custom in England.
- 19th century. Cheaper postage and printing make cards a mass product; in the USA they were popularised by Esther Howland, who produced valentines with lace and appliqué.
- Today valentines are given not only to loved ones but also to friends, classmates and colleagues.
To make a card yourself, see "DIY Valentine cards".
How different countries celebrate
- The UK and the USA — cards, flowers, chocolate and romantic dinners; valentines are often sent anonymously.
- Japan — on 14 February women give chocolate, and a month later, on White Day (14 March), men return the favour.
- South Korea — the same pattern, and on 14 April single people mark the unofficial "Black Day".
- Finland and Estonia — it is more of a Friends' Day: not only couples are congratulated.
- Wales — besides 14 February there is a day of Saint Dwynwen, patron saint of lovers, on 25 January.
- Brazil — Lovers' Day is celebrated on 12 June, the eve of Saint Anthony's day.
Valentine's Day in Ukraine
In Ukraine the holiday has been popular since the 1990s. For many it is a reason to give flowers and spend the evening together, for others simply another day to say warm words to loved ones. Ukrainians also have their own festival associated with love and youth — Kupala, with wreaths, bonfires and the search for the fern flower.
How to celebrate: a short plan
- In advance, order flowers and book a table — on 13–14 February everything is booked up.
- Prepare a card with a few handwritten words.
- Choose a gift to suit the person — ideas in "Valentine's Day gift ideas for her".
- Spend time together — a walk, dinner or a film at home.
- Single? A great reason to congratulate friends and family or treat yourself.
Flowers, the main symbol of the holiday
The most popular gift on 14 February is roses, especially red ones. Which other flowers to choose and how many stems to give is covered in "Valentine's Day flowers".
FAQ
Why is Valentine's Day celebrated on 14 February?
It is the commemoration day of martyrs named Valentine in the church calendar. Late medieval literature gave it its romantic meaning.
Is it a religious holiday?
It began as a saint's commemoration, but the modern lovers' holiday is secular.
Where do women give gifts on 14 February?
In Japan and South Korea: there women give chocolate on 14 February, and men reciprocate on 14 March.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
