Every year on February 14, millions of people around the world exchange flowers, cards, and gifts. In Kenya, florists line major roads in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
Restaurants advertise special dinners. Social media fills with carefully chosen photos and messages of affection.
It can easily feel as though Valentine’s Day has always been about roses and romance.
History tells a different story
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome.
One of the most widely accepted accounts connects the date to a Christian cleric known as Saint Valentine, who lived in the third century.
Historical records show that at least one priest named Valentine was executed in Rome on February 14 during the reign of Emperor Claudius II.
While details of his life vary in different sources, he was later recognised as a martyr by the early Church.
Over time, stories developed around his life. One tradition suggests that he supported couples who wished to marry during a period when marriage for young men was discouraged.
Another account states that he wrote a letter, signed “Your Valentine,” before his execution.
While historians caution that some of these details come from later legends rather than confirmed records, the association between his name and expressions of affection endured.
It is also important to understand the broader historical context of mid-February in ancient Rome.
The month was associated with purification and renewal. A Roman festival known as Lupercalia was held around February 15 and marked the coming of spring.
As Christianity spread across Europe, some existing seasonal observances gradually evolved or were replaced by Christian commemorations. Scholars note that this blending of traditions was common during that period.
By the Middle Ages, February 14 had become closely associated with romantic love, particularly in England and France.
This shift is often linked to the writings of Geoffrey Chaucer in the fourteenth century. In one of his poems, he associated Saint Valentine’s Day with birds choosing their mates.
At the time, people believed that birds began pairing in mid-February. Chaucer’s work helped popularise the idea that February 14 was a day for lovers.
The practice of exchanging written messages on Valentine’s Day grew steadily in Europe. By the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, people were sending small handwritten notes or tokens of affection.
The Industrial Revolution later changed everything. In the nineteenth century, advances in printing technology enabled the production of decorative Valentine cards on a large scale.
Britain was among the first countries where commercially printed cards became widely available. The tradition later spread to the United States and other parts of the world.
Today, Valentine’s Day is observed in many countries, though customs differ. In Japan, women traditionally give chocolates to men on February 14, while men return the gesture a month later on March 14, known as White Day.
In Finland and Estonia, the day is often celebrated as Friendship Day, focusing on platonic relationships rather than romance alone.
In Kenya, Valentine’s Day has steadily grown in popularity over the past few decades. Urban centres see increased spending on flowers, fashion, and dining.
Yet beyond the commercial activity, the day has become an opportunity for many people to express appreciation.
Couples mark milestones. Friends exchange thoughtful messages. Families share simple gestures of gratitude.
What many may not realise is that Valentine’s Day did not begin with flowers, greeting cards, or candlelit dinners.
Its roots lie in ancient history, shaped by faith, literature, seasonal traditions, and centuries of cultural change. The modern celebration is the result of this long evolution.
At its heart, February 14 is less about grand gestures and more about connection. It is a reminder to pause and acknowledge the relationships that bring meaning to daily life.
Whether expressed through a simple message, a shared meal, or a quiet moment of gratitude, the essence of the day remains centred on appreciation and human connection.
