Valentine's Day: History, Traditions, and Top Love Songs

Valentine’s Day has become a big deal. Everywhere you look, there are heart-shaped cards, chocolates, flowers, and sweet gestures between couples. But where did this day of love actually come from? Well, grab a cup of coffee, because the history of Valentine's Day is a mix of mystery, legends, and some pretty cool traditions.
The Origins of Valentine's Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day are a little fuzzy, but they mostly point back to ancient Rome and a couple of saints. One theory ties it to Lupercalia, a Roman festival held around mid-February. It was a fertility celebration, and people would perform rituals to try to ensure good crops and healthy livestock. It was pretty wild compared to what we think of today, but it's said to have influenced the romantic side of the holiday we know now.
Then, there’s the story of Saint Valentine, a priest in Rome. The legend goes that Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, thinking they’d be better soldiers without wives. But Valentine went ahead and performed secret weddings for couples. When the emperor found out, he had Valentine arrested and executed on February 14th. As you can imagine, Valentine became a symbol of love and sacrifice after that.
The Middle Ages and the Love Connection
By the 14th century, Valentine's Day started to take on a more romantic vibe, thanks to the whole courtly love thing that was popular at the time. People began sending poems, love notes, and even little tokens to each other on February 14th. One of the oldest surviving Valentine’s cards is from 1415, written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was locked up in the Tower of London. Talk about a love letter!
That was the beginning of the sweet tradition we all know today—sending cards to tell someone you care.
Valentine's Day Gets Commercial
Fast forward to the 19th century, and Valentine's Day started to become more commercialized, thanks to things like mass printing. In America, a woman named Esther Howland took it a step further by making and selling intricate, lace-covered Valentine’s cards. Her designs were so popular, they helped make Valentine’s cards a mainstream thing.
With that, we started to see the Valentine’s Day we recognize now—gifts, cards, chocolates, and a whole industry built around love. It went from a simple act of sending a letter to full-blown shopping sprees, with people shelling out big bucks for gifts.
How We Celebrate Today
Nowadays, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love in every form, not just romantic love. It’s a day to show appreciation for everyone in your life—whether it’s a partner, a friend, family, or even your pet. People share cards, go on dinner dates, or just spend quality time with loved ones. The whole point is to take a moment to celebrate the people who make life sweeter.
Even though the way we celebrate Valentine’s Day has evolved, at its core, it's all about spreading love and joy. Whether it’s through a thoughtful card or a cozy dinner, it’s a reminder to show the ones you care about just how much they mean to you.
10 Love Songs You’ll Hear Everywhere on Valentine’s Day
No Valentine's celebration is complete without the perfect playlist. Whether you're having a quiet night in or heading out for a dinner date, here are 10 of the most requested love songs that’ll set the mood:
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
A classic that never gets old, it’s the ultimate love anthem.
“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
For anyone who’s found their soulmate, this one hits home.
“All of Me” by John Legend
A beautiful song about loving someone for exactly who they are.
“Endless Love” by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
A duet that has stood the test of time. Love doesn’t get much sweeter than this.
“Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
For when you want to remind someone they’re perfect just the way they are.
“Something” by The Beatles
A simple and sweet song about deep admiration for someone special.
“At Last” by Etta James
If you’re feeling all the feels, this one’s for you.
“Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
This song is pure emotion and has been a favourite for decades.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Elvis. Need we say more?
“Amazed” by Lonestar
A country classic about being in awe of your loved one.
So, whether you’re exchanging flowers, cards, or just enjoying a quiet moment together, these songs will definitely add to the romance. Happy Valentine’s Day!