What is Valentine's Day all about?
Valentine’s Day has long been synonymous with love, passion, and heartfelt gestures. Every year, on February 14th, millions around the world exchange tokens of affection—whether through handwritten notes, decadent chocolates, or the timeless beauty of flowers. But what is Valentine's Day all about and the real story behind this beloved tradition?
The Real Story Behind Valentine’s Day
The history of Valentine’s Day is steeped in mystery, romance, and legend. It is widely believed to have originated from the tale of Saint Valentine, a figure shrouded in both historical and mythical narratives. One of the most enduring stories suggests that Saint Valentine was a priest in ancient Rome during the third century. At the time, Emperor Claudius II had forbidden young men from marrying, believing that single soldiers made for better warriors. Defying the decree, Valentine is said to have secretly performed weddings for young lovers, an act of defiance that ultimately led to his arrest and execution on February 14th.
Another legend suggests that while imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and, before his death, penned a letter signed “From your Valentine”—a phrase that still endures in romantic traditions today.
From Ancient Rituals to Modern Romance
While the precise origins of Valentine’s Day remain uncertain, the celebration of love in mid-February can be traced back even further. The ancient Romans observed Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the god of agriculture. With the rise of Christianity, Pope Gelasius I is believed to have replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day in the 5th century, transforming a pagan ritual into a day of devotion and romance.
By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day had gained widespread popularity in Europe, particularly in England and France, where it was believed that mid-February marked the beginning of birds’ mating season—further cementing its association with love and courtship. The exchange of love notes and poetry flourished, with some of the earliest known Valentine’s messages dating back to the 1400s.
Why Roses Symbolise Love
No flower is more intimately connected with romance than the rose. The tradition of gifting roses on Valentine’s Day can be traced back to Greek and Roman mythology, where the rose was linked to Aphrodite (or Venus), the goddess of love. The deep red hue of the classic Valentine’s rose is said to represent passion, desire, and enduring devotion.
Centuries later, the tradition remains as meaningful as ever. A single red rose speaks volumes, while a lavish bouquet expresses love in its most opulent form. Whether given as a grand gesture or a simple yet profound token, roses continue to be the ultimate expression of romance.
Why do we Celebrate Valentine's Day?
Valentine’s Day is more than just a tradition—it is a celebration of love, connection, and meaningful moments. Whether you are honouring a long-standing romance or expressing admiration for someone special, the perfect bouquet of roses captures emotions words often cannot.
This Valentine’s Day, let the language of flowers speak for you. Explore our exquisite Valentine's Day collection of hand-selected, premium roses at Victoria Whitelaw Beautiful Flowers and make this celebration truly unforgettable. Place your order via our website or visit our South Yarra or Brighton stores.
