What is Valentine's and why do we give gifts? (2024)

Good questions! Traditionally, Valentine's Day is celebrated on the 14th February. It is a celebration associated with lovers, and believed to have first originated as a pagan festival about fertility. There are several ideas about who Valentine was, because there are actually three or more of them by the same name.

One suggestion is that he was a holy priest who performed illegal marriages for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. He was imprisoned in 269 AD, and was tortured, and beheaded on 14th February. He later became canonised by the Catholic church, and there after Saint Valentine became known as the patron saint of love.

The act of giving gifts, such as flowers, chocolates and jewellery to loved ones grew over the years in popularity. By the 18th Century, this tradition had spread to many different countries. In Italy, children were given keys to ward off illnesses. In Norfolk, England, 'Jack Valentine' knocked on houses, and left sweets, and presents for the children living there. In Finland, 'Friend's Day' is celebrated, where they give gifts of love to their friends. In Japan, it's the women who give men chocolates, and in Wales they celebrate Dydd Saintes Dwynwen on the 25th of January, who is their patron of love.

It's fascinating to learn that Valentine's Day has, and still is, about many different aspects of love. There's the love for young children, friends, and family, and not just lovers. Even our family pets are getting treated to special gifts increasingly so on Valentine's day.

However you choose to celebrate, the key thing to remember is that it's about love. You can't go wrong with love - and maybe abit of a sweet treat on the side.