Valentines Day 2026

Introduction

Every year on 14^th February, Valentines day takes place. In the UK alone, 40 million people celebrate the romantic day, and it was estimated that £2.1 billion was spent on Valentine's Day. But why is Valentine’s Day celebrated? Where did it come from? In here, we dive into the not-so-wholesome backstory of Valentine's Day.

Valentine’s Day Origin

Claudius II was the Roman Emperor between the years 268 and 270. He came to the judg4ment that the best soldiers for his army were those without a wife or children, as they had nothing to be attached to. As a result, he banned marriage for young men, the perfect age for soldiers in his grand army.

This is where Saint Valentine comes in. Valentine disagreed with this rule and so, in secret, he would marry couples together. Once Claudius II found out, he furiously ordered Saint Valentine’s arrest and execution. Whilst imprisoned, Saint Valentine met the Emperor’s blind daughter, and the two fell in love. Whilst imprisoned, Saint Valentine had cured her blindness, but apparently this was not enough for Claudius II, who still wanted Saint Valentine’s execution. On the day of his execution, Saint Valentine wrote a final letter for his lover and signed it with ‘Your Valentine’. The day of his execution: February 14^th, thus giving the Valentine’s Day name that we know today.

Whilst this story may be far-fetched, it’s one of the most common origin stories of Valentine’s Day.

There is another Valentine, Saint Valentine of Terni. This Saint was said to convert lots of young men in Rome to Christianity. Records suggest that this Saint also married couples. Saint Valentine of Terni was ordered to be executed, too. His day of execution was also February 14^th, though of a different year. It’s worth noting that it is possible that these two are the same Saint Valentine, and as history has evolved, they have separated – but who truly knows?

The real meaning of Valentine's Day may be because of Chaucer, a famous English Poet known as the ‘Father of English Literature.’ Chaucer linked Valentine's Day to romance. He made a poem called the ‘Parliament of Fowles’, in which he spoke about how Birds sing to Saint Valentine on Valentine’s Day, and that the birds meet to choose their mate. Naturally, Shakespeare also helped romanticise the day, writing several plays that reference Valentine's Day.

As a result, the origin of Valentine's Day isn't exactly clear. It's supposedly a combination of Saint Valentine and Saint Valentine of Terni (who both died on Valentine's Day, a couple of years apart), and their rebellion in favour of love during the Roman Rule. Afterwards, Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticised the celebration for the future.

What do people do on Valentine's Day?

The purpose of Valentines day these days is to shower loved ones with love and affection. This is done by gift giving, going for meals or just generally spending time together eating Chocolate and Strawberries.

Why are Strawberries Popular on Valentine's Day?

Strawberries are very common during Valentine's Day. Their red colour and the fact that they’re sometimes heart-shaped make them a natural choice as a gift. They’ve supposedly got aphrodisiacal qualities, and are also the fruit of the Roman Goddess of Love, Venus. It’s no wonder they’re so popular during Valentine's Day. It’s worth noting that aphrodisiacs don’t have much scientific basis.

Strawberry Health Benefits

Fresh Strawberries have a wide range of health benefits. To summarise, they’re low in calories compared to other fruits, so they are ideal for weight-loss diets. They are also great at preventing inflammatory conditions like heart disease.

Rich in Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is essential for the growth and repair of tissues across various parts of the body. It also helps the body make collagen, which is a protein used to make skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C also promotes the healing of wounds, whilst repairing and maintaining bones and teeth.

Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight a process in our body called oxidation. This is when free radicals are created when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. These free radicals damage cells in our body, causing them function poorly or die entirely. Antioxidants fight these free radicals and protect your bodily cells.

Other Benefits

Strawberries are high in Manganese, which helps form connective tissues, bones and boosts sex hormones. Only a small amount of Manganese is needed in the body for regular activities.

Furthermore, Strawberries have a good amount of Vitamin B9, or Folates. This helps the body convert carbohydrates into glucose, whilst also promoting a healthy liver, skin, hair, eyes, and a healthy nervous system.

Closing

And there you have it folks! A brief dive into the history of Valentines day, all the beautiful parts and the ugly parts, as well as a look at how Strawberries can be good for the body!

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