What's Valentines Day Really About?

We're sure you've read hundreds of "best valentines date ideas" by now, so we thought we'd explore the part of Valentine's day that's largely left untouched - the history. Where does it really come from? 

Valentine`s Day takes place each February 14. Across the UK and in different locations across the world, candy, flowers, and presents are exchanged among cherished ones, all withinside the call of St. Valentine.

It's widely believed by the Catholic Church that there are at least three different saints exist who are named Valentine or Valentinus. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.

"When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death."

The belief that Valentines day is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial—which probably occurred around A.D. 270, is regarded as the most believed theory, however, there are a few other ideologies too. 

Others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” a pagan celebration called Lupercalia  - a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus. (The Roman God of agriculture.) 

What's Cupid's Deal?

We're sure you've seen the chubby little chap with curly hair and bow & arrow. Often portrayed on Valentine’s Day cards as a naked cherub launching arrows of love at unsuspecting lovers, Cupid has become a staple for love across the world.

According to myth, Cupid was the son of Mercury, the winged messenger of the gods, and Venus, the goddess of love. His bow and a quiver of arrows deal wounds that inspire love or passion in every victim.

How Can You Celebrate This Day of Love?

Check our article for unique date ideas and don't forget to have a look at our special valentines cushion range! 

References used: https://bit.ly/3u9eHGy, https://bit.ly/3rUV5U7

Image courtesy of: Canva