Behind the Hearts: What many Still Don't Know About Valentine's Day

Every February 14, red roses, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and oversized teddy bears fill shop windows from Makati to Manhattan. For most people, Valentine’s Day has become easy to recognize and celebrate — but many of its roots and meaning remain poorly understood.

What is Valentine’s Day really about? And why, centuries after it began, do we still insist on gifts and grand gestures?

Origins More Ancient Than Romance

Valentine’s Day is observed each year on February 14 in much of the world, known today as the “Day of Love.” Official histories trace the holiday back to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr commemorated on this date. The celebration began as a religious feast — not a romance festival — honoring a saint who lived and died in the third century A.D.

Ironically, long before St. Valentine’s name was tied to sweethearts, the middle of February in ancient Rome was marked by a raucous pagan festival called Lupercalia. Celebrated around February 15, Lupercalia was connected with fertility rites believed to prepare for spring. Some historians suggest that later Christian leaders moved St. Valentine’s feast to February 14 to supplant this earlier tradition.

Though scholars still debate the exact origins of the Valentine we celebrate today, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages — and the poetry of figures like Geoffrey Chaucer — that February 14 became linked explicitly with romantic love.

 

From Saints to Shops

Today’s holiday is a blend of history, culture and commerce. While its early meaning was religious and solemn, Valentine’s Day has transformed into a global celebration of affection and partnership. In many countries, people exchange cards, flowers and gifts — an evolution that really took off in the 19th and 20th centuries when greeting cards and chocolates began to be mass-produced.

The modern version of Valentine’s Day is deeply commercialized, with industries around the world capitalizing on the occasion. Flowers, chocolates, jewelry and dining experiences are marketed as expressions of love — generating billions in retail sales annually. Experts note that this commercialization can make the holiday feel like an obligation rather than a genuine celebration of relationships.

More Than Romantic Love

Another fact many overlook: Valentine’s Day isn’t only for lovers.

In the Philippines and other cultures, families, friends and even coworkers take the day to express care and appreciation for one another. In some schools and community events, children make cards or crafts for classmates and family members. For elders and caregivers, the day has been marked with celebrations that highlight friendship and care across generations.

In recent years, related observances such as Palentine’s Day — celebrated on February 13 — have gained traction, focusing on platonic love and friendship, broadening the scope of affection beyond romantic relationships.

Why Do We Celebrate It Today?

The widely accepted meaning of Valentine’s Day today is simple: it is a push to express love and appreciation to people we care about — whether partners, family members, or friends.

For many, it remains a special chance to pause and communicate feelings that might otherwise go unsaid. Despite its commercialization, couples and families alike say the day has become more meaningful when tied to sincerity, shared time and thoughtful gestures.

What to Give — and What It May Mean

While store displays may push chocolates and roses first, modern gift guides offer a wider range of ideas tailored to relationship stage and personal taste:

• New relationships: Small, thoughtful items — like a handwritten card or a heart card — can acknowledge feelings without pressure.

• Established partners: Experiences, personalized keepsakes or meaningful tokens like photo frames or engraved items can mark deeper connections.

• Families and friends: Gifts don’t have to be romantic. Simple crafts, shared meals or time together tell loved ones they matter.

• Children or older loved ones: Playful or practical gifts — from creative Lego sets to crafts — keep the spirit light and inclusive for all ages.

Experts also caution that emotional connection and effort often outweigh price tags. A small but thoughtful gesture can matter more than an expensive present, especially when it reflects understanding of the recipient’s personality and needs.

 

A Day of Love, Not Just Labels

At its heart, Valentine’s Day still calls people to express appreciation — not just for romantic partners but for all meaningful relationships.

Whether it’s giving a custom gift or simply spending quality time, the true spirit of Valentine’s Day remains rooted in connection, kindness and care — a message that transcends centuries and cultures.