Valentine’s Day is a holiday dedicated to expressing love, whether that means giving gifts or spending time with those you love. But have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day came to be the holiday we celebrate today? Historians argue over the true origins of Valentine’s Day and how traditions became the romantic holiday. What is known for sure is that the day is named after St. Valentine, but it’s possible that the holiday could be named after two men named Valentine.

“There were after all two Valentine’s executed on February 14 (albeit in different years) by Emperor Claudius II. It’s believed that the Catholic Church may have established St. Valentine’s Day in order to honor these men who they believed to be martyrs. What’s more, it’s possible that one of these men, St. Valentine of Terni, had been secretly officiating weddings for Roman soldiers against the emperor’s wishes, making him, in some eyes, a proponent of love,” said Tasha Murtaugh and Rebkah Lowin from Country Living. 

Others believe that the holiday emerged from the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia. The festival included rituals that promoted women’s fertility, as well as matchmaking services that were created for single people. 

The image of cupid, with big wings and a bow and arrow, has been associated with Valentine’s Day for centuries. It is thought that the image of Cupid actually originated within the Greek God of love, Eros. Like Cupid, Eros would use arrows to make people fall in love, but he also used his arrows to create hate. Mixing up people’s emotions in this childlike fashion is the main reason for the way Cupid is portrayed today—as a big child.

Love letters or ‘valentines’ are a huge part of the Valentine’s Day celebration today. In fact, the first valentine was actually written in the 15th century from a jail cell. According to the History Channel’s website, Charles Duke of Orleans wrote the first love letter to his wife after being captured at the Battle of Agincourt. 

The tradition of giving candy as a gift emerged in the late 19th century. Richard Cadbury used the holiday in an effort to increase chocolate sales. 

“With a new technique recently established at the company to create more varieties of chocolate, Cadbury pounced on the opportunity to sell the chocolates as part of the beloved holiday,” said the History Channel’s website. 

Sweetheart candies also made their debut in the 19th century, when they were first marketed as lozenges. 

“Pharmacist and inventor Oliver Chase created a machine that would quickly create the lozenges before switching to using the machine to create candy—later known as Necco Wafers. Chase’s brother came up with the idea to print messages on the candy in 1866, and the candies got their heart shape in 1901, appealing specifically to Valentine’s Day sweethearts,” said the History Channel’s website.

How all of these worldwide traditions combined to form the Valentine’s Day celebration that we all know today is still unknown. What we do know is that somewhere along the way, people began to associate Feb. 14 with love, prompting people to express their love and affection though gifts and love letters.  

Student Celebrations

Students around campus are making big plans for Valentine’s Day, whether it’s with their boo or their BFF. While some students prefer to celebrate in a more casual way, others are planning to take advantage of events both on and off campus. 

While Valentine’s Day is typically about romance, junior Esther George has her sights set elsewhere.

“All I want for Valentine’s Day is chocolate covered strawberries,” she laughed. “In all seriousness, I do want to spend time with my significant other for Valentine’s Day, too. But Valentine’s Day kind of sucks because it always feels like there is this societal pressure for it to be the perfect romantic holiday, which is dumb.”

George went on to explain that it is easier to spend time together without that pressure. 

“It means more to me that he and I went on an impromptu date last weekend instead of stressing over Valentine’s Day being perfect,” she said. 

Senior Alex Jones is also taking a more casual approach.

“My boyfriend and I are taking the night in! Neither of us can afford to go out much, so we’re picking up junk food and pizza and spending a night building a blanket fort to watch movies in our pajamas,” he said.

The holiday isn’t just about romantic love, however, and some students put their own spin on it. Junior Noelle Souter is one of these people. 

“I prefer to call the holiday Galentine’s Day. I’m going out with my gal pal to have some fun! Who needs a man when you have a best friend?” said Souter.

Valentine’s Day in Springfield

Because Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, many Springfield businesses are hosting events, from dinner specials to pottery classes. One Springfield business in particular is taking a unique spin on the holiday.

417 Taphouse is hosting their Fourth Annual Second Halloween on Feb. 14 from 7 p.m. to close. 

“Our venue doesn’t really fit into the romantic evening motif for most people. We decided it would be the perfect occasion to celebrate Halloween a second time of the year so we encourage patrons to get all dressed up and come on in. We hold a costume contest and have themed food and drink specials. This year it also coincides with our rollout of a new cocktail menu along with a new food menu that finally includes desserts,” said Harry Crawford, owner.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is also hosting their annual Romance in the Garden on Feb. 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

“This is a romantic stroll in the Japanese Stroll Gardens on Valentine’s evening with beverages and treats to purchase. We have beautiful lights strung up throughout the gardens. In addition to couples, we are encouraging friend groups and others to join as a fun alternative to traditional Valentine’s by offering a buy two, get one free deal,” said Trysta Herzog, Friends of the Garden Executive Director. 

Admission is $8 per person, with a $2 discount for Friends of the Garden members. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the garden.

Perhaps you’d like to stay as far away from romance as possible this weekend. Fortunately, there are still lots of things to do!

On Saturday, Feb. 15, Big Momma’s is hosting The Relentless Comedy Show. The event is all ages and has no cover charge. The show will feature an interactive comedy show with critically acclaimed comedians. 

Lost Signal Brewing Company will also be hosting their Third Anniversary Party on Saturday, Feb. 15 all day, which will feature live music from Tony Menown and Shaun Munday. The event is free to attend and will include food and drink specials. 

Valentine’s Day is a constantly evolving holiday and each person celebrates it in their own unique way. Whether you intend to stay in and keep it casual, or go out with someone you love (romantically or otherwise), the Mirror wants to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Article written by Delilah Gadd and Marissa Mayfield.