Valentine’s Day: The History Behind the Holiday

Did you know that St. Valentine was the patron saint of more than love?

Kaitlyn Mang, Staff Writer

Valentine’s Day, also known as St. Valentine’s Day is a well-known holiday where partners express their love for each other. The day originally got its name from a famous saint who is known as a patron of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers. It first started in the 4th century at a Roman festival of Lupercalia celebrating the coming of spring. At the festival, men and women were coupled, according to names chosen from a jar. Later on, the church wanted to make the festival into a Christian celebration and used the name St. Valentine.

Many traditions are associated with this national holiday, depending on the country. In Norfolk, presents are left on doorsteps for children. While in Slovenia, the holiday is associated with agriculture and is usually the day workers head back to the fields. In China, men usually give their partners flowers and chocolates, but due to its closeness to the Lunar New Year, it is celebrated later in the year. Finally, in Latin America, the day is referred to as “Dia del Amor y la Amistad.” Not only do they honor their partners but their friends as well.

Here at Berkeley, there is an annual Valentine’s tradition of sending flowers to their classmates. This year, the French Club is selling white and pink carnations and red roses. Receiving a white carnation means the person has a secret admirer, the pink carnation is for friends and the red rose is for love. Valentine’s Day continues to include fun traditions, whether it’s being celebrated inside or outside of the Berkeley community!


GALENTINE’S DAY: Kaitlyn Mang ’23, Finley Jordan ’23, Meher Irani ’23 and Meghna Bukkapatnam ’23 spend the day together on Valentine’s Day. Photo by Kaitlyn Mang.