There is a rich and fascinating history behind Valentine’s Day that goes far beyond the realm of Hallmark cards and red roses.
Most of us think Valentine’s Day is one of those commercialised “Hallmark Card holidays” we inherited from the USA. But if you delve beneath the stemmed roses and chocolate hearts, you’ll discover a fascinating history of sacrifice, martyrdom, love and resilience that extend far beyond the constraints of modern consumerism.
Valentine’s Day proper, on 14 February, is said to come from a very sad beginning. The tale of Valentine’s Day intertwines with the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II, who, in his relentless pursuit of power, inadvertently became connected to the martyrdom of two men named Valentine.
In the 3rd century, amidst a never-ending barrage of military conflicts, Emperor Claudius II sought to expand his armies. He believed that single men made better soldiers, as they had no family commitments that could divert their loyalty, and enacted a law prohibiting young men from getting married.
A priest named Valentinus, later known as Saint Valentine of Rome, defied the decrees of the emporer. Recognising the significance of love, Valentinus believed that marriage was a sacred bond essential to the wellbeing of society. He continued to perform marriage ceremonies for young couples in secret, going against the emperor’s orders.
Valentinus was ultimately executed on February 14, in the year 269 or 270, becoming the first revered figure associated with Valentine’s Day.
Another person named Valentine, a bishop from Terni, Italy, was arrested for his Christian beliefs under Claudius II’s reign. While awaiting his execution, he is said to have performed miracles and help heal the sick. Despite these acts of compassion, Valentine was condemned to death, and he met his fate on February 14th, in the year 273.
In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius formally declared the 14th February to be St Valentine’s Day, a holiday to honour the martyred Valentine(s). The remembrance of their sacrifice gradually transformed into a celebration centered around expressing affection, both romantic and platonic, to loved ones.
As centuries passed, Valentine’s Day evolved and absorbed various customs and traditions. In the Middle Ages, written expressions of love in the form of valentine letters became popular, setting the stage for the exchange of “love notes” that we recognise today.
Why do we give red roses on Valentine’s Day?
In ancient Roman mythology, the red rose was linked to Venus, the goddess of love. The Romans celebrated a festival called Lupercalia, which took place in mid-February and was dedicated to fertility and the coming of spring. It is believed that during this festival, young men would draw the names of young women from a jar, and they would be paired up as partners for the duration of the festival. This custom eventually evolved into a practice of exchanging love notes and tokens of affection, including red roses, on February 14th, the feast day of St Valentine.
The association between St Valentine and red roses further solidified during the Victorian era. In Victorian society, expressing emotions and feelings was often done through non- verbal means, including the language of flowers. Red roses came to symbolise deep love and passion, making them a popular choice for love declarations and romantic gestures.
Of course, in the modern world, we have moved on from exclusively gifting red roses to our loved ones on Valentine’s Day. In Australia, where it’s usually very warm in February, beauty gifts are now fast replacing the red rose, mainly for practical reasons – fragrance and lipstick long outlast fresh flowers.
Gifts of Love
Truly a special fragrance, this unique blend of contrasting notes captivates the senses. Intense rose is topped with pink pepper and cinnamon bark, with a base of oakwood, vetiver and cedarwood, replete with animalic sidr honey and aromas of fruity-sweet caramel and roasted hazlenuts.
This fragrance is perfect for those who appreciate a bold, masculine scent that is both modern and timeless. Top notes of lemon, grapefruit and pepper create a refreshing burst, while the heart notes of geranium and cedar add a rich and robust element. The base notes of vetiver, musk and amber provide a warm and sensual finish.
This is a classic and timeless fragrance that exudes confidence and sophistication. The opening notes of rich red raspberry and vibrant bergamot create an invigorating first impression. Heart notes of red rose and jasmine, with base notes of warm amber and creamy vanilla, addi a romantic and feminine touch.
This “classic red” lipstick shade effortlessly combines boldness and elegance. The formula is rich and creamy, gliding on smoothly and providing long-lasting intense colour payoff in just one swipe.
This fragrance is the ultimate celebration of feminine allure. It is a modern amber floral fragrance that is made with notes of rose de mai, cashmere wood, black cherry and pink pepper.
An enchantingly feminine fragrance, housed in an exquisite bottle, this fruity and floral perfume has notes of mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, orange blossom, blackcurrant, raspberry, marshmallow, ambrette, chantilly cream and musk.
A sensual and alluring fragrance featuring notes of exotic red hibiscus, ripe mandarin and warm vanilla.
Whisk your loved one to the shores of a sandy island as you watch the sunset, surrounded by scents of pear, bergamot, jasmine and vanilla, evoking a sense of warmth and wanderlust.
Cremo Colognes – Palo Santo, Bourbon & Oak and Citrus & Mint Leaf, $59.99 each.
Your significant other will smell uncommonly good with this collection of well-balanced fragrances from Cremo, a men’s grooming company known for their high quality yet affordable men’s grooming products. Whether it’s crisp and citrusy or warm and woody, Cremo offers a variety of fragrances to suit different preferences.
