Valentine’s Day has uncertain origins, blending Christian martyr traditions—especially Valentine of Rome—with possible pagan influences and later medieval romantic poetry. The Bible doesn’t mention Valentine’s Day but teaches principles of love, purity, faithfulness, and honoring relationships that guide how Christians might approach the celebration. Christians are called to love selflessly and honor marriage, reflecting God’s love throughout the year, not just on one designated day. While Valentine’s Day can be a meaningful opportunity to express love and appreciation, it is neither commanded nor forbidden by Scripture. Ultimately, believers should decide personally, guided by biblical values, whether and how to observe Valentine’s Day in a way that honors God.
The origin of Valentine's Day is unclear. February 14 is listed on the Calendar of Saints in both the Anglican and Lutheran churches. The Roman Catholic Church no longer lists Saint Valentine's Day on its official calendar and, instead, has made it a local celebration. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Saint Valentine's Day but in July. There are several Saint Valentines associated with February 14, but it seems the tradition revolves largely around Valentine of Rome.
Valentine of Rome is said to be a Christian martyr, killed on February 14, 496 under the direction of Emperor Claudius II of Rome. Several stories about his persecution exist. One is that during general persecution of Christians, Valentine of Rome was interviewed personally by Emperor Claudius II for sentencing. Evidently Claudius II was impressed by Valentine and offered that if Valentine converted to paganism his life could be spared. Rather than convert, Valentine is said to have attempted to convert Claudius to Christianity, thus earning himself the death penalty. Prior to his execution, Valentine is thought to have performed a healing miracle for the jailer's blind daughter, Julia. In some renditions, Valentine wrote a letter to Julia prior to his execution, signed "Your Valentine."
Another tradition suggests that Valentine performed weddings for soldiers who had been prohibited from marrying by rule of Emperor Claudius II based on the belief that single men make better soldiers. Valentine was jailed and supposedly those whom he had married passed him notes and flowers in jail. Also while in jail he fell in love with the jailer's daughter. Prior to his execution he is said to have written her a love letter signed, "Your Valentine."
There is also a tradition that Valentine gave hearts made of parchment to soldiers and persecuted Christians, reminding them of their vows as well as God's love. Some have linked Valentine's Day to a celebration of the beginning of spring. Others have suggested that Valentine's Day has pagan roots and is associated with Lupercalia, a February pagan holiday centered on fertility and love. Others say that the connection between Valentine's Day and romance did not come about until the fourteenth century with the English poet Chaucer's writings.
The modern celebration of Valentine's Day as a romantic holiday that includes exchanging of cards, chocolates, and flowers likely came out of England and developed fairly recently. Commercialized Valentine's cards came about in the early to mid-nineteenth century. In the latter portion of the twentieth century, giving gifts became popular. The celebration of Valentine's Day has extended from England to the Anglosphere and beyond. For many, both single and married, Valentine's is simply a day to express love to all manner of friends and family. Nothing is inherently wrong with expressing love through cards and gifts on a specific day of the year. But nothing is inherently righteous about it either, as we should express our love for one another throughout the year and in a variety of ways. While there is no such thing as "Sainthood" in the terms meant by the Catholic Church, there is certainly nothing wrong with commemorating Christian martyrs or faithful Christians of the past. But neither is there a biblical mandate to do such things. The holiday is neither biblical nor anti-biblical. Christians can apply the principles found in Romans 14:5, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."
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