On 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.
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.
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.
To make a card yourself, see "DIY Valentine cards".
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.
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".
It is the commemoration day of martyrs named Valentine in the church calendar. Late medieval literature gave it its romantic meaning.
It began as a saint's commemoration, but the modern lovers' holiday is secular.
In Japan and South Korea: there women give chocolate on 14 February, and men reciprocate on 14 March.
For messages, see Valentine's Day wishes.
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.
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