The beloved holiday from all around the world poses the question of where Valentine’s Day even comes from. We all know it through its red and pink color scheme, to the delighted chocolates that its secret admirers give. Or the flowers and Valentine’s Day cards couples buy for their significant other. Although the holiday is a day to celebrate the people you love, it’s also important to know the origin and what caused it to become a national holiday.

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Every year, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on the 14th of February, and it’s been that way for centuries. The holiday is celebrated for many reasons, but how it came about is very gruesome, considering it’s a holiday about love. Saint Valentine, a priest who married young couples in secret, was executed on February 14 around the third century. Over time, the holiday was tweaked to adjust to people’s preferences about what a day of love should be about. Some celebrate it with gifts and luxury items, while others simply spend quality time with the people they care about. The day comes from ancient Rome and the Catholic church. Valentines day is also celebrated because of the Roman Festivals that had been celebrated for years before the creation of Valentines day. Throughout the years, history, with a mix of storytelling, brought us to this day of love. These combinations from Rome shaped the day we have today.

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We asked students around the school what they plan on doing for Valentines day and if they know why Valentine’s Day is celebrated. Sophomore Bella Burell says, “ I never knew the origin of Valentine’s Day other than it was a day to show your love, which I love. I think it’s such a cute holiday, even if you don’t have a Valentine. I plan on spending the day with my boyfriend and getting him a gift.” Another sophomore, Matthew Antunuz, says, “ I personally don’t like Valentine’s Day because I feel like you should show you love people every day, but I didn’t know that there was a Saint Valentine, and he’s why we have the day. I don’t have any plans either. I am probably just going to stay home.”

On the other hand, staff here at Coral Glades have a different outlook on Valentine’s Day. According to Ms. Brissett, she says, “ I did know that Valentine’s Day originated from Rome, considering I teach European history for 7 periods. I usually just spend time with my husband and call my kids because they are in college. I love Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a beautiful holiday. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate your love for others, but there is also a historical lesson behind it as well.