The Meaning and History of Valentine’s Day: Legends, Love, and How We Celebrate

Valentine’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the world, yet few know its true origin. It’s a day steeped in history, ancient rituals, religious transformation, and timeless traditions of romance and affection. Each year on February 14th, millions of people express their love with flowers, cards, and heartfelt gifts—but how did it all begin? And what role did Saint Valentine, ancient Roman customs, and even Irish traditions play in shaping the Valentine’s Day we know today?

In this guide, we explore the meaning and history of Valentine’s Day, trace its cultural evolution, dive into Irish customs, and offer timeless Valentine’s Day jewelry gift ideas that go beyond the cliché.

What Is Valentine’s Day Really About?

At its heart, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love and affection. Though often associated with romantic partners, the day also honors the bonds of friendship, family, and platonic love. In recent decades, the holiday has evolved to include self-love and appreciation as well. It’s a day that speaks to the universal human need to feel loved, cherished, and connected.

But before it became a commercial celebration of chocolate and roses, Valentine’s Day had far deeper roots in faith, martyrdom, and ancient ritual.

The Origins: Who Was Saint Valentine?

There isn’t just one Valentine—there are several! The Catholic Church recognizes at least three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. The most popular legend, however, tells the story of a Roman priest in the 3rd century who performed secret marriages against the decree of Emperor Claudius II.

Claudius believed that single men made better soldiers, so he banned marriage. Valentine defied the law and continued to marry couples in secret. When his actions were discovered, he was executed around 270 A.D.

Legend has it that before his death, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter and wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine"—a phrase we still use today.

From Pagan Fertility Festival to Christian Holiday

Long before it became Valentine’s Day, February was associated with fertility and purification. The ancient Romans celebrated Lupercalia from February 13 to 15. This was a pagan fertility festival honoring Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus.

During Lupercalia, priests would sacrifice a goat and a dog, and then slap women with the goat's hide to promote fertility. Later, young men would draw the names of women from a jar to pair off for the festival. These couplings often led to marriage.

As Christianity spread, the Church sought to replace pagan rituals with Christian traditions. In 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day, associating it with the martyred saint and distancing the day from its pagan roots.

The Rise of Romantic Love in the Middle Ages

Valentine’s Day truly took on romantic connotations in the Middle Ages, particularly in England and France. People believed that February 14 marked the beginning of birds' mating season, further associating the date with love.

The first known written Valentine was a poem by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Geoffrey Chaucer also helped romanticize the day in his poem "Parliament of Fowls", linking Valentine’s Day to courtly love.

Valentine’s Day Cards and Victorian Courtship

By the 18th century, Valentine’s Day had become a day for lovers in England to express their affection with handwritten notes and tokens of love. The invention of the printing press and improvements in postal service during the 19th century helped popularize Valentine’s Day cards.

In the Victorian era, elaborate cards with lace, flowers, and romantic verses became immensely popular. These gestures were often secretive and laden with symbolism, especially during a time when public displays of affection were frowned upon.

Irish Valentine’s Day Traditions

Ireland, known for its rich storytelling and strong Catholic traditions, has a unique connection to Valentine’s Day. In fact, the relics of Saint Valentine himself are said to reside in Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin. Pilgrims and couples often visit the shrine on February 14 to pray for blessings of love and commitment.

Irish Love Tokens and Traditions:

Claddagh Rings: A traditional Irish symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. Giving a Claddagh ring on Valentine’s Day is a timeless expression of heartfelt devotion. Shop Claddagh Rings
Handfasting: An ancient Celtic engagement ritual where couples' hands are bound together, symbolizing their union.
Irish Blessings: Often written in Valentine cards, blessings like "May the road rise up to meet you" add spiritual depth and cultural beauty to romantic notes.

How Valentine’s Day Is Celebrated Around the World

While Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, it has also grown in popularity globally:

Italy: Couples exchange Baci chocolates and locks of love are fastened to bridges.
Japan: Women give chocolates to men on February 14; men reciprocate on March 14, known as White Day.
Mexico: Known as El Día del Amor y la Amistad (The Day of Love and Friendship), it celebrates both romantic and platonic love.
South Korea: Celebrated over several months, including Black Day for singles in April!

The Commercialization of Valentine’s Day

Today, Valentine’s Day is a billion-dollar industry. Americans alone spend over $20 billion annually, with jewelry ranking among the top gifts. From red roses and teddy bears to luxury chocolates and couple’s spa days, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of consumer love.

Yet beneath the commercial layers lies something more meaningful—an opportunity to genuinely express love in all its forms.

Valentine’s Day Jewelry: A Gift That Lasts Forever

Looking for a meaningful Valentine’s Day gift that transcends time? Jewelry, particularly symbolic pieces, is a powerful way to say "I love you."

Bestselling Valentine’s Day Jewelry Gifts:

Claddagh Necklaces: A romantic Irish symbol for love, loyalty, and friendship.
Heart Pendants: Classic symbols of love in sterling silver or gold.
Birthstone Jewelry: Personalized and thoughtful, birthstones add sentimental value.
Infinity Knot Jewelry: Symbolizing eternal love.

Explore Valentine’s Day Jewelry Gifts

Writing the Perfect Valentine’s Day Message

The perfect gift deserves the perfect words. Whether you’re writing in a card or on a note tucked into a jewelry box, your message should be heartfelt. Here are a few ideas:

"My heart is, and always will be, yours."
"You’re my today and all of my tomorrows."
"With this gift, I give you my love, forever."

Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day

Over 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year in the U.S. alone.
The red rose is associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
Cupid comes from Roman mythology, representing desire and attraction.
Teachers receive the most Valentine’s cards, followed by children, mothers, and wives.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Meaning

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be commercial or forced. Here are a few heartfelt ways to celebrate:

Cook a homemade Irish meal and share a blessing before dinner.
Visit Whitefriar Street Church if you’re in Dublin.
Exchange Claddagh rings or Irish blessings.
Write love letters or recreate your first date.
Support small businesses by buying artisan jewelry.

Final Thoughts: Why Valentine’s Day Still Matters

Despite modern cynicism, Valentine’s Day matters. It reminds us to pause and recognize the people who make our lives richer. Whether it’s romantic, familial, spiritual, or self-love, February 14 is a day to say what often goes unspoken.

At The Irish Jewelry Company, we celebrate love in all its forms. Our curated Valentine’s Day jewelry collection is designed to make this day not just special, but unforgettable.

Shop Now and Share the Love