Is Valentine’s Day Christian? The Love, Legends, and a Little Bit of Scripture
February 14th—hearts, chocolates, and an overwhelming number of stuffed animals. But have you ever wondered if Valentine’s Day has any actual connection to Christianity? The answer is yes! Kind of. Let’s unravel the history, the legends, and what the Bible really says about love.
Who Was Saint Valentine, Anyway?
The truth is, history is a little fuzzy on the details. There were actually multiple Saint Valentines, but the most famous was Valentine of Rome, a priest martyred around 269 AD under Emperor Claudius II. According to legend:
He performed Christian weddings in secret after the emperor banned marriage (believing single men made better soldiers).
He was arrested and, before his execution, supposedly healed the blind daughter of his jailer.
Before dying, he wrote her a note signed, “Your Valentine.” (Sound familiar?)
Another Valentine, Valentine of Terni, was also martyred, and some think the two stories got mixed over time. Regardless, February 14th became associated with their feast day in the Catholic Church.
The (Possible) Pagan Connection
Some scholars believe Valentine’s Day absorbed traditions from Lupercalia, a Roman fertility festival held in mid-February. The festival involved matchmaking rituals, and as Christianity spread, the Church often rebranded pagan holidays with Christian meanings. Coincidence? Maybe not.
So, What Does the Bible Say About Love?
While Valentine’s Day today is mostly about romantic love, the Bible speaks about love in multiple ways:
Agape (God’s unconditional love) – “We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Philia (friendship/brotherly love) – “A friend loves at all times.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Eros (romantic love) – “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” (Song of Solomon 6:3)
Scripture reminds us that love isn’t just about romance—it’s about selflessness, kindness, and faithfulness, which are at the heart of Valentine’s story.
So, Should Christians Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Well, that’s up to you! While the holiday has taken on a very commercial feel, its origins do tie into Christian sacrifice, faith, and love. If nothing else, it’s a great excuse to show love to your spouse, family, and friends—or to remind someone that God’s love is the greatest of all.
So whether you’re celebrating with chocolates, flowers, or just a kind word, happy Valentine’s Day! After all, as 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all that you do be done in love.”
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