Valentine’s Day comes around every February 14th, and whether you love it or think it’s just another commercial holiday, there’s no denying it brings out the romance in the air. It’s a day dedicated to celebrating love, whether between partners, friends, or family members. While we may think of roses, chocolates, and heart-shaped everything, there’s a lot more to Valentine’s Day than meets the eye.
I’d like to dive into the meaning behind this special day, some fun facts, and why it’s more than just an excuse for greeting cards and fancy dinners.
The Origins
Valentine’s Day has a history that goes back centuries. Its roots are often traced to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived during the 3rd century. There are different legends about who he was and what he did, but the most popular story is that Valentine was a priest who secretly performed marriages during a time when the Roman Emperor had banned them. The emperor believed unmarried men made better soldiers, but Valentine believed in love and continued to marry couples until he was caught and executed.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day to honor this priest.
Over time, the day became less about the saint and more about celebrating love and affection between people. By the 14th and 15th centuries, Valentine’s Day became linked with the idea of romantic love in Europe, and lovers began exchanging letters and gifts as tokens of their affection.
Fun Facts:
Before I get deeper into the spirit of the day, here are some fun facts about Valentine’s Day:
Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for sending cards in Canada, just behind Christmas.
Every year, Canadians exchange millions of cards to show love and appreciation for their partners, friends, and family members. While the exact number varies, it’s estimated that over 8 million Valentine’s cards are sent each year across the country! This makes it one of the busiest times for card shops and post offices.
Cupid, the cherub with a bow and arrow, actually comes from Roman mythology. He’s the Roman god of love, known for shooting arrows that make people fall in love.
Over 250 million roses are grown just for Valentine’s Day! Red roses are especially popular because they symbolize love and passion.
Believe it or not, many Canadians also include their pets in Valentine’s Day celebrations. While it’s not as widespread as in the U.S., studies show that around 1 in 5 Canadians buy gifts for their furry friends on this holiday. From special treats to cute toys, pet owners love showing their pets some extra love.
One of the earliest known Valentine’s letters in Canada was written in 1759 by a British soldier stationed in Quebec during the Seven Years' War. He wrote a love letter to his sweetheart back home alluding to the celebration.
Valentine’s Day is also big for the candy industry. Every year, thousands of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold, with Purdy’s and Laura Secord being two popular Canadian chocolate brands. Also the conversation hearts—those small candies with messages like “Be Mine” and “Hug Me”—which have been a Valentine’s Day tradition in Canada since the early 1900s.
More Than Just Gifts
It’s easy to get caught up in the commercial side of Valentine’s Day—buying flowers, chocolates, and going out for fancy dinners. But at its core, the day is about celebrating love in all its forms. Whether it’s romantic love, the bond between friends, or the connection you have with family, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to show appreciation for the people who matter to you.
We are all busy and don’t always take the time to express how much we care for the people in our lives. Valentine’s Day gives us a moment to pause and make those connections stronger.
While the gifts and gestures are fun, it’s really about the thought and the love behind them. Even something as simple as a handwritten note or a kind word can make someone’s day.
Love Languages: How Do You Show Love?
Everyone expresses and receives love differently, and Valentine’s Day is a great time to think about how we show our affection. Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, describes different ways people express love, which can help to better understand your relationships.
The five love languages are:
Words of Affirmation: Some people feel loved when they hear kind, encouraging words. Telling someone how much they mean to you, complimenting them, or leaving a sweet note can go a long way.
Acts of Service: Doing something helpful for your loved one, like making them breakfast, cleaning up around the house, or running an errand, can be a powerful way to show you care.
Receiving Gifts: For some, the act of giving or receiving gifts is a meaningful way to express love. It doesn’t have to be expensive—something thoughtful or handmade can be just as special.
Quality Time: Spending uninterrupted time with your loved one is a key way to show you care. It’s not about what you’re doing but being fully present and engaged with each other.
Physical Touch: A hug, a kiss, or even holding hands can mean a lot to people whose love language is physical touch.
Knowing how you and your partner (or friends and family) express love can make Valentine’s Day even more meaningful. Instead of focusing on the traditional gifts, you can tailor your gestures to what will truly make them feel appreciated.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money or go all out to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Here are some simple, heartfelt ways to make the day special:
Write a Letter: Instead of buying a card, write a heartfelt letter to your partner, friend, or family member. Share what you love about them and how much they mean to you.
Cook a Special Meal: If you’re staying in, cook a meal together or surprise your loved one with their favorite homemade dish. It’s a thoughtful way to show you care.
Plan a Day Together: Spend quality time doing something you both enjoy. It could be a walk in the park, watching a favorite movie, or even doing something creative like a DIY project or painting.
Create a Memory Scrapbook: Put together photos and mementos from your time together and create a scrapbook. It’s a personal and thoughtful way to relive special memories.
Do Something for Others: Valentine’s Day is about love, and what better way to show it than by spreading kindness? Consider donating to a charity, volunteering, or doing something nice for a friend or neighbor.
While Valentine’s Day is often seen as a holiday for couples, it doesn’t have to be. It’s a celebration of love in all its forms, whether it’s between friends, family, or even self-love. If you’re not in a relationship, take this day to do something kind for yourself. Treat yourself to a relaxing day, indulge in your favorite activity, or spend time with people who bring joy to your life.
The True Meaning
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is a reminder to celebrate love—whether it’s romantic, platonic, or self-love. It’s not about the price tag on the gifts or the fanciness of the dinner; it’s about taking the time to show the people in your life that they matter.
So, whether you’re celebrating with a partner, spending time with friends, or enjoying a quiet evening to yourself, take a moment to appreciate the love and connections that make life so special.
In 1968 a group named the Troggs recorded a song called Love is All Around.
Here's a flashback in time. May have to copy link below and paste in google.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY !!!!