What is the history of Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day, celebrated every year on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love and affection. This popular celebration transcends cultural boundaries and is observed worldwide. But what is the fascinating history behind this day dedicated to love?

The Distant Origins:

The origin of Valentine's Day dates back to ancient Rome. Although several legends circulate, one of the most popular is associated with a priest named Valentin, who is said to have lived in the 3rd century. During the reign of the Roman emperor Claudius II, Valentin allegedly continued to celebrate marriages despite the imperial prohibition, as marriage was considered incompatible with military ambitions.

The Martyrdom of Saint Valentine:

The legend tells that Valentin was arrested and imprisoned. During his incarceration, he supposedly healed the blind daughter of his jailer and fell in love with her. Before his execution on February 14th, Valentin allegedly sent a love letter to the young girl signed with the phrase "From your Valentine," an expression that persists to this day.

The Emergence of Tradition:

The celebration of Valentine's Day as a day dedicated to love began to gain popularity in the Middle Ages. Medieval poets and writers contributed to spreading the idea of Valentine's Day as a romantic day. Exchanges of love messages and small tokens of affection multiplied.

Valentine's Day in the Modern Era:

Over the centuries, Valentine's Day has evolved to become the modern celebration we know today. The exchange of greeting cards, flowers, and gifts became widespread during the Victorian era, and the holiday was commercialized in the 20th century by the greeting card industry.

A Global Celebration:

Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide, transcending cultures and borders. Whether through the exchange of gifts, romantic dinners, or gestures of affection, this day has become a special occasion to express love and appreciation for our loved ones.

If you're still wondering what to give for Valentine's Day, let me introduce you to Toit de Paris. We produce "made in France" keychains, recycled and eco-friendly. Our keychains are made from recycled Parisian rooftops, making them an authentic and original gift. Choose the location where your love story began, whether it's the place of your first meeting, the spot of your first kiss, or any other place that holds special meaning for you. These details will be carefully engraved, along with their respective coordinates, on an elegant map of Paris. Thus, you'll create a unique gift that vividly tells the story of your love story.

From its origins in ancient Rome to its modern global celebration, Valentine's Day embodies the evolution of love through the centuries. Choose a unique gift with Toit de Paris keychains made from recycled materials from Parisian rooftops, engraved with the coordinates of a special place. Offer an authentic and eco-friendly gesture of love, transforming this Valentine's Day into an unforgettable experience.