From Sacrifice to Celebration: The Surprising History of Valentine’s Day

I took this photo in Japan, from a garden along The Philosopher’s Path

Valentine’s Day is here, and I can’t help but wonder—of all the special days we celebrate, why does this one receive so much criticism?

It’s ironic, really, considering its origins. The day is said to be named after St Valentine, a priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young soldiers and secretly performed weddings. For his defiance, he was imprisoned and eventually executed on 14 February. Legend also suggests, while in captivity, he sent letters signed ‘Your Valentine’, inspiring the tradition of love notes we still exchange today.

Every year, Valentine’s Day is met with a wave of cynicism. People roll their eyes at the store displays, dismiss it as a marketing ploy, or reject it altogether. But why this day more than others such as Mother’s Day or Easter?

What makes me pause is that Valentine’s is, for most, a day to recognise one of the closest relationships in our lives—our partner. If anything, shouldn’t that be a celebration worth having? The person who stands beside you through everyday life, who shares in the small and big moments, who chooses to walk this path with you—why wouldn’t we take a day to appreciate them?

Of course, there’s a commercial side to it. But that exists with every holiday. The beauty of celebrating someone you love is that it doesn’t need to cost a thing. A simple “I see you, I appreciate you, and I’m grateful for you” can mean more the world. And in a world that often pulls our attention in a hundred different directions, wouldn’t we all benefit from slowing down and taking a moment to cherish the people closest to us?

To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world. Dr. Seuss

For me, Valentine’s isn’t just about romantic love. I’ve always loved making it a day to celebrate all the special relationships in my life. In high school, we could send flowers to friends, anonymously or not. My friends and I sent a flower to each other—it was fun to give, and warming to receive. One year, I sent flowers to my mum just because. And last year, a friend shared how his workplace gave chocolates to all their employees—such a small act, but one that left an impact.

Now, with little ones in my life, Valentine’s has become a family celebration. We set the table for a special dinner, make cards for each other, and I surprise everyone with dessert. This year, I even found watermelon juice for a pink drink! It’s a simple tradition, but one that reminds us all that the blessing of love in our life, is worth pausing for.

I see Valentine’s not as a forced day or an excuse to buy things, but as a reminder. A day to consciously say: “You matter to me.” A day to reach out to friends, to appreciate family, to turn towards the people we love and remind them how important they are.

Because love, in all its forms, is always worth celebrating.

Happy Valentine’s. You are something truly special.

Join me, let’s share our apprecation for one thing we are grateful for today…

Thanks for joining me today. Ta \(^u^)/