The Meaning of Love on Valentine’s Day

An intense feeling of deep affection, love is a fundamental and universal human emotion. However, it is much more than simply romance. Love extends to relationships between family, friends, pets, co-workers, and lovers alike, and Valentine’s Day is set aside to honor the many different forms of love.

Love – From the Beginning

From a young age, humans can feel love, both giving and receiving it. Anthropologists believe that love is an essential part of survival. Strong connections between people give one a reason to live and to make decisions that positively affect those they cherish.

Yet love is not always easy. Strong emotions of any kind can lead to difficult decisions, painful realizations, and hurtful goodbyes. Intricate and complicated, it is an emotion that can take you as high as the skies and agonizingly low.

German religious leader Dieter F. Uchtdorf described its earthbound and heavenly nature:

“Since the beginning of time, love has been the source of both the highest bliss and the heaviest burdens. At the heart of misery from the days of Adam until today, you will find the love of wrong things. And at the heart of joy, you will find the love of good things. And the greatest of all good things is God.”

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day – also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine – was created to honor several Christian martyrs given the name Saint Valentine for crimes committed in the name of love.

Though its traditions have changed throughout history, the day is celebrated every year on Feb. 14. Today, people like to buy gifts such as flowers or chocolates for their loved ones. Everything from simple greeting cards and poems to extravagant dinners and gifts is acceptable. Additionally, it is a common day for marriage proposals and weddings.

Of course, the holiday is not limited to romance. Women put a fun twist on the day and celebrate Galentine’s Day with close female friends. Some Beloved pets get special attention, too, with their owners showing their affection with treats or toys for their furry (or not furry) animal friends. Children are gifted special presents and candy by their parents, as well as exchanging Valentine’s cards with their friends at school. There really are no rules for Valentine’s Day. It is simply put, a day of love, and all of those who wish to participate are permitted to do so!

Interesting Facts About Valentine’s Day

• Its roots are believed to go all the way back to the 3rd century.
• The first recorded Valentine’s letter was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415.
• Roman Pope Gelasius made Saint Valentine’s Day an official holiday near the end of the 5th century.
• Before the 1840s, Valentine’s cards were all hand-made.
• Today, 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are purchased each year.
• 15% of all wedding proposals take place on Valentine’s Day.
• In Japan, women give gifts to men to show their appreciation.
• Approximately 250 million roses are grown each year in countries with warm climates like Kenya, Colombia, and Ecuador.

1. Valentine’s Day is about more than romance.
2. The roots of Valentine’s Day go back to the 3rd century.
3. Galentine’s Day is celebrated on Feb. 14 by close women friends.