Valentine’s Day: From Ancient Rome to Modern Love

The origins of Valentine’s Day are deeply rooted in ancient history and Christian tradition. Today, this special day is associated with romantic love, although its meaning has evolved over the centuries. Saint Valentine was a priest (or bishop) who lived in the 3rd century AD under the rule of Emperor Claudius II in Rome. According to legend, during a time when the Emperor had banned marriages to strengthen his army (believing that single soldiers were better..), Saint Valentine continued to secretly perform marriages.

Discovered and arrested, he was executed on 14th February 269 AD. However, before his death, he is said to have performed a miracle by restoring the sight of his jailer’s blind daughter. Some versions of the story claim he wrote a farewell letter, signing it “Your Valentine,” thus giving rise to the tradition of love letters.

Fateful was that February many years ago…

Saint Valentine was chosen as a symbol of love also to replace a Pagan holiday: the Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival celebrated on 15th February. During the Lupercalia, fertility and the arrival of Spring were honoured through often licentious rituals. The Church decided to “Christianise” this day by dedicating 14th February to Saint Valentine, turning him into a symbol of pure and spiritual love.

Then it became Romantic

The association between Saint Valentine and romantic love began to develop in the Middle Ages, mainly through literature. It was the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer, in the 14th century, who first mentioned Saint Valentine as the day when birds choose their mate, thereby linking the day with romantic love. From that moment, the tradition of writing letters and giving flowers or gifts to celebrate love spread across Europe.

Nowadays

Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, is the result of medieval tradition, which developed further in the centuries that followed. During the 19th century, especially in England and the United States, “Valentine cards” and gifts such as chocolates and flowers became popular, turning the day into a commercial event celebrated globally. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries as a symbol of love and affection, both romantic and platonic love.

Love & Home

One must be honest: in any market, when choosing a home, a reasonable compromise helps to finalise the decision. This is generally true, although in London, it can be a constant that is sometimes a bit frustrating given the cost of properties, especially in central areas. In reality, if accompanied by a clever property consultant with experience in different areas, finding the right compromise is not that difficult.

As always, the key is to conduct a thorough and meticulous property search—one that carefully weighs the right pros and cons with the expertise of a seasoned professional who navigates this process daily.

But this is nothing compared to the compromise every couple must make when discussing the layout of a space, often beginning with intense exchanges of their mutual opinions on the matter: hours spent formulating requests, revising them, finding a new balance, discussing, distancing themselves, and then coming back together with new solutions, perhaps different ones, that will ultimately satisfy both partners.

“A home is any place with four walls that enclose the right person.”

– William J. Bennett

All of this also reflects the timeline of a love story, which, if genuine, always seeks to place the conversation between two people in a channel that naturally finds the solution. Choosing a home to live in is truly an act of love. The strength of St. Valentine can help make compromises feel lighter—or at least more acceptable—even when deciding on the home to share together, hopefully leading to a life of happiness ever after.