The history of Valentine's Day is as rich and complex as the emotions it celebrates. While modern Valentine's Day has its conventions and cliches, its story stretches back through various historical era, from Roman festivals to Victorian expressions of love.

Ancient Roman Festivals: Lupercalia and Juno Februa

The roots of Valentine's Day trace back to ancient Rome, where two festivals set the stage for our modern celebration. Lupercalia, celebrated from 13-15 February, was a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture. Meanwhile, Juno Februa honoured the goddess Juno, protector of women and marriage. These celebrations laid the groundwork for what would eventually become our day of romance.

The Legend of Saint Valentine

The tale of Saint Valentine adds a touch of rebellion and romance to our story. Several accounts exist, but the most compelling tells of a 3rd-century Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages. Valentine secretly performed weddings for young lovers, ultimately facing martyrdom for his devotion to love. This sacrifice became the cornerstone of our modern Valentine's celebration.

Pope Gelasius I and the Establishment of the Feast

In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I officially established the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14th, effectively Christianising the pagan festival of Lupercalia. This marked the beginning of Valentine's Day as a recognised Christian feast day, though its romantic associations were yet to fully develop.

Geoffrey Chaucer and the Romantic Connection

The transformation of Valentine's Day into a celebration of romantic love owes much to Geoffrey Chaucer. His poem "Parliament of Fowls" in the 14th century first linked Saint Valentine's Day with romantic love, inspiring a tradition of courtly love that spread throughout medieval Europe.

Evolution of Valentine's Day Traditions

Through the centuries, Valentine's Day traditions evolved from handwritten notes to printed cards in the 1800s. The Victorian era brought elaborate celebrations, with exchanges of flowers, confectionery, and romantic tokens becoming customary. These traditions form the backbone of our modern celebrations.

Cultural Evolution and Modern Expression

Today, Valentine's Day has evolved from its religious origins to become a secular celebration of love, incorporating both traditional and modern customs. It provides a special opportunity to express love and affection through various means, from traditional gift-giving to sharing special moments. While maintaining local variations, it has become a globally recognised celebration that fulfills our fundamental desire to express love and appreciation for others.

Valentine's Day Symbols and Their Meanings

The symbols we associate with Valentine's Day each carry deep meaning. Red roses represent passionate love, hearts symbolise the seat of emotion, and Cupid, the Roman god of love, represents romantic desire. These enduring symbols continue to adorn our Valentine's celebrations.

Valentine's Day and Commercialisation

While some might view modern Valentine's Day as overly commercial, we believe it's about choosing meaningful ways to express affection. The key lies in selecting gifts that reflect genuine thought and consideration for your loved one's preferences.

Hampers of Love

When considering how you celebrate Valentine's Day this year, a luxury hamper offers a thoughtful and indulgent option. Our Cotswold Hamper with Red Wine combines romantic essentials like Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon and Lindt Mini Pralines, perfect for a cosy evening in. For those seeking something extra special, the Wine and Chocolates Gift Basket with Champagne features Nicolas Feuillatte NV Champagne paired with a luxurious Lindt Swiss Chocolate Selection.

A carefully curated hamper speaks volumes about your thoughtfulness, combining multiple treats in one elegant package. Whether you're celebrating new love or decades together, these collections of carefully selected delicacies provide a perfect way to show your affection on this historic day of romance.

FAQs

• Q: What is the real story of Valentine's Day?
• A: The real story of Valentine's Day begins in ancient Rome, centred around a 3rd-century priest named Valentine who secretly performed marriages against Emperor Claudius II's wishes. After facing martyrdom for his devotion to love, his story became intertwined with the Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I officially established February 14th as Saint Valentine's Feast Day, laying the foundation for our modern celebration of romance.
• Q: Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day?
  A: We celebrate Valentine's Day as a continuation of a centuries-old tradition honouring love and affection. While its roots lie in ancient Roman festivals and Christian feast days, the romantic nature we associate with Valentine's Day truly blossomed in medieval times through Geoffrey Chaucer's poetry. Today, it serves as a special occasion to express our feelings for loved ones.