What Is Valentine's Day and Is it Connected to Christianity?

What Is Valentine's Day and Is it Connected to Christianity?

Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14th, which is considered a day of love and affection. It has been associated with the Christian faith due to the history of Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived during the third century. However, the modern celebration of Valentine's Day has largely become secularized and commercialized, with little connection to its Christian origins.

In the Catholic Church, Saint Valentine is remembered as a saint who was martyred for his faith. There are different stories and legends associated with him, but the most commonly accepted one is that he was imprisoned and executed for performing marriages for Christian couples during a time when it was illegal. He is considered a symbol of love and devotion, and is often invoked in prayers related to love and relationships.

However, the holiday as we know it today, with its emphasis on giving gifts and expressing love, has little connection to its Christian origins. While some Christians may choose to celebrate Valentine's Day as a way to express their love for God and others, the holiday is generally considered a secular celebration with no specific religious significance. 

Read more: Click here

Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

The history of Valentine's Day dates back to the Roman Empire and a festival honoring Juno, the goddess of love and marriage.

The holiday became associated with Saint Valentine in the 14th century when the Catholic Church designated February 14th as St. Valentine's Day in honor of a Christian martyr.

The first recorded Valentine's letter was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Valentine's Day became a recognized holiday in the United States in the early 1700s.

The traditional symbols of Valentine's Day include hearts, cupids, roses, and chocolates.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average person spends approximately $136 on Valentine's Day gifts.

Red roses are the most popular flower for Valentine's Day, with over 250 million sold worldwide each year.

The heart shape as a symbol of love and affection is believed to have originated from the shape of a water lily, which was seen as a symbol of love in ancient Egyptian culture.

The largest Valentine's Day card in the world was sent by the British charity the Children's Trust in 2011, measuring over 60 feet in length.

In some countries, such as Finland and Estonia, Valentine's Day is celebrated as a friend's day and not just a romantic holiday.

Read more: 

Bible verse for Valentine's Day: Top Valentine's Day Bible Verses About Love

Christian Valentine's Day Gifts: The Ultimate Guide to Christian Valentine's Day Gifts