The Evolution and Origins of Valentine's Day

There’s a common belief that Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to a 12th-century poem about birds mating, the story of Christian martyr Saint Valentine, and a rather ominous fertility ritual from ancient Rome. However, Elizabeth Nelson, an associate professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, questions these claims. “We prefer to think there’s a clear origin,” Nelson remarked. “We don’t want to believe it’s merely a Hallmark creation.” And it’s more than just that.

So, how did the traditions of modern Valentine’s Day actually begin? The version that Americans enjoy mostly comes from England. Back in the 15th century, Samuel Pepys, an English civil servant and politician, documented his experience of Valentine’s Day. He mentioned choosing a woman named Mrs. Martha as his Valentine simply for convenience. As Nelson points out, it wasn’t unusual during that era for married individuals to exchange valentines with people other than their spouses, suggesting the holiday celebrated friendship as much as romance.

In the United States, the fascination with Valentine’s Day remained strong, especially during the 18th century. Handmade valentines became particularly popular in Pennsylvania Dutch areas. The holiday’s contemporary form began to take shape as printed valentines surfaced in the early 19th century. Esther Howland, often called the “mother of the American valentine,” created intricate cards with layered lace and elaborate designs that gained mass appeal after 1850.

The 19th century also saw valentines taking a different turn with the introduction of cards from anonymous admirers and the rise of “vinegar valentines”—humorous, satirical cards aimed at poking fun at recipients, reflecting a more nuanced view of the celebration.

In modern times, Valentine’s Day has grown beyond strictly romantic gestures to embrace friendships, illustrated by the popular “Galentine’s Day.” Across the United States, unique pop-up events celebrate platonic love, while businesses now cater to these diverse expressions alongside classic romantic ones. Despite its complex history, Valentine’s Day continues to unite people in the spirit of love and togetherness.