Valentine's Day — not just an excuse for pleasant things. Behind the symbols — from "valentines" to heart-shaped candies — lies a history that combines legend, church tradition and market adaptation. We break down where this holiday comes from, how its attributes have changed, and what it means for Ukrainian society today.
Origin: from a priest to a symbol
According to legend, in 269 AD a Roman priest named Valentine secretly married lovers in defiance of Emperor Claudius II, who, the stories say, believed that family life harmed military discipline. For this, Valentine was executed; before his death he is said to have sent a letter signed "Your Valentine", and this is often linked to the tradition of valentines.
"The legend of Valentine combines an act of humanity and religious resistance — that very narrative transformed from a local memory into a symbol of romantic attachment."
— Historians and church chronicles
Historians note that the transition from a church figure to a mass celebration happened gradually: from medieval traditions in Western Europe (13th century) to mass culture in the United States in the 18th–19th centuries. The revolution in the domestic side of the holiday came with greeting cards, factory-made sweets and the gift industry — a process well documented in European and American sources.
Traditions: valentines, flowers, sweets
The classic attributes of the holiday are valentines (including handmade cards), flowers and sweets. A historical detail: at the start of the new era a sign of great love could be expensive delicacies, such as marzipan; later confectioners turned this into a mass product — heart-shaped candies.
In Ukraine, February 14 is a relatively "young" holiday, but it has quickly integrated into the cultural space: from romantic gestures to celebrations among friends and family. At the same time it is important that the celebration not be reduced solely to imported commercialism: a homemade valentine or a purchase from a local artisan has both cultural and economic meaning.
"Conscious celebration is support for local creativity and the economy: small purchases from artisans create a greater social effect than mass-produced imported souvenirs."
— Analysts of cultural economics
What it means for Ukraine
The holiday provides space for two important things: the expression of personal feelings and support for the local economy. In times when every hryvnia matters, February 14 can be an occasion to buy from local craft shops, commission a piece from a Ukrainian maker or make a valentine by hand — a simple way to combine symbolism with practical support.
Moreover, the celebration demonstrates cultural flexibility: traditions evolve, taking on new meanings, and Ukrainian society can fill them with its own senses — from the quietness of romance to solidarity with those who need support today.
Conclusion
Saint Valentine's Day is a mix of legend, church memory and market practices. A question for reflection: will we leave it as just another commercial occasion, or use it as an opportunity for a mindful gesture — to support loved ones and the local community?
