(Time to back away Dry January for another year, where you always put it… just behind the Christmas Decorations)
Ah, Valentine’s Day. That one day of the year when florists rejoice, card companies rub their hands together in glee, and the rest of us Brits either panic-buy roses at a petrol station or mutter, “It’s just a commercial holiday, isn’t it?” over a solitary cup of tea. But how did we get here? And what does Valentine’s Day even mean these days? Let’s delve into its history.
It Started With a Saint
Back in the misty annals of history—we’re talking third-century Rome here—Valentine’s Day wasn’t about chocolates or heart-shaped balloons. It was about a chap named Saint Valentine. Actually, there were a few Saint Valentines, but the one we’re interested in is the priest who defied Emperor Claudius II.
You see, old Claudius thought single men made better soldiers and banned marriages. Valentine, being the rebellious romantic he was, secretly married couples anyway. For his trouble, he was martyred on February 14th. Romantic, isn’t it? Nothing says love like a bloke being beheaded for your right to tie the knot.
Enter Chaucer, The Matchmaker
Fast forward a millennium or so to 14th-century England, and along comes Geoffrey Chaucer. He’s the guy responsible for turning Valentine’s Day into something resembling a romantic holiday. In his poem “Parliament of Fowls,” Chaucer writes about birds choosing their mates on Valentine’s Day. Birds! In February! Clearly, Chaucer had never endured a British winter. Still, the idea stuck, and people began associating the day with love and courtship.
The Victorian Love Boom
By the 19th century, we Brits were well into the swing of things. The Victorians, ever the enthusiasts for pomp and sentimentality, popularised Valentine’s Day cards. These weren’t the £2 jobbies you pick up at Tesco Express. Oh no, these were elaborate, lace-trimmed creations designed to make your beloved swoon—or at least think you were posh enough to afford them.
Of course, with the arrival of the penny post in 1840, sending cards became much easier. Cue an explosion of anonymous love notes flying through the post. Imagine being a Victorian postman on February 14th: “Another card for Lady Smythe… from Lord Who’s-He-Calling-Himself-Today.”
The Modern Valentine’s Day: Love or Lunacy?
These days, Valentine’s Day has morphed into something quite… different. For some, it’s a heartfelt occasion to show their love. For others, it’s an annual guilt-trip orchestrated by Big Chocolate. And for the cynics among us (hello, Brits), it’s just another day to roll our eyes at overpriced flowers and underwhelming restaurant set menus.
For couples, the pressure is on. Forget Chaucerian poetry; now it’s all about Instagram-worthy gifts and candlelit dinners that cost more than your monthly gas bill. For singles, it’s a minefield of awkward office banter (“Oh, no plans for tonight then?”) and half-priced wine come February 15th. Not all bad, really.
So, What Does It All Mean?
At its core, Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love—whether that’s love for a partner, a mate, or even yourself. And let’s be honest, in this grey, rainy little island we call home, we could all do with a bit more love. So, whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a Galentine’s Day bash, or just treating yourself to a cheeky box of chocolates, make it your own.
After all, the true spirit of Valentine’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or extravagant spending. It’s about connection, kindness, and—if you’re anything like us Brits—a healthy dose of humour. Cheers to that, and happy Valentine’s, you lovely lot!