Soon it will be time for the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day! But when does this day actually fall, when we traditionally pay attention to our loved ones with cards, flowers and chocolate?
Valentine’s Day may feel like a relatively modern invention, but in fact the day – which we often pay attention to by giving flowers, chocolates and gifts to our loved ones – has a history dating back thousands of years.
Originates from the 2nd century before Christ
No one knows exactly where the tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day comes from. The most common theory, however, is that it comes from the fact that the Christian preacher Valentino, who lived in the 2nd century BC, defied the will of the then Roman emperor Claudius by marrying couples in secret.
Valentin was sentenced to death, but while awaiting his execution he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter to whom he wrote messages signed “Your Valentin” – hence the English “Valentine’s Day”.
When is Valentine’s Day 2023?
Valentine’s Day always falls on February 14. In 2023, this means that we celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Tuesday.
