Truths of Valentine’s Day: Discover the Origins, Meaning and Who Invented the Holiday of Love

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, and today it’s usually all about cards, flowers, and chocolate. But every year, people still ask who invented Valentine’s Day, and where the holiday actually came from.

Here’s the real story. Valentine’s Day did not start as a romantic holiday. It evolved over centuries through Roman traditions, Church history, and cultural change.

The Origins of Valentine’s Day

The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, specifically to a mid-February festival called Lupercalia. This festival was tied to fertility, agriculture, and the coming of spring.

Lupercalia looked nothing like Valentine’s Day today. Ancient Roman rituals were symbolic and intense, reflecting beliefs about renewal and fertility rather than romance.

How Saint Valentine Changed the Meaning

The Catholic Church later connected February 14 to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century. There were multiple martyrs named Valentine, but Saint Valentine of Rome became the most well-known.

According to legend, he secretly married couples at a time when marriage was restricted. His story is one reason the meaning of Valentine’s Day became associated with love, devotion, and commitment.

When Valentine’s Day Became a Romantic Holiday

The first Valentine’s Day cards appeared in the 1400s. Over time, the holiday spread and became a celebration of romantic love, gifts, and handwritten notes.

The Italian Biscotti Connection

Another tradition with deep roots is biscotti. These twice-baked Italian cookies were designed to last, which made them easy to travel with and perfect for sharing.

Biscotti is the bigger category. Cantucci is a Tuscan style of biscotti you’ll often hear about in Italy. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference, here’s a quick breakdown: Cantucci vs Biscotti.

Want the full story? Read our guide: What Is Biscotti? A Complete Guide.

Valentine’s Day Idea: Bake Together

Baking together is one of the simplest ways to slow down on Valentine’s Day. Put on music, make something warm, and enjoy the little moments while the oven does the work.

Chocolate Cherry Biscotti Recipe

What to expect: Crisp snap, rich chocolate, and sweet cherry pockets. Perfect with coffee or tea.

Note: This is a simple at-home version (not our bakery recipe), but it hits the same Valentine vibe.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cherry extract (optional)
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla (and cherry extract if using).
4. Fold in dry ingredients, then stir in cherries and chocolate chips.
5. Shape dough into 2 logs and bake 25–30 minutes, until set.
6. Cool 10 minutes, slice, then bake again 10–15 minutes until crisp.

Read Next

• Cherry Chocolate Chunk Biscotti Cookies Guide
• What Is Biscotti? A Complete Guide
• Cantucci vs Biscotti
• Shop All Biscotti

References

History.com
Time.com