When we think of Valentine’s Day, we picture chocolates, flowers, and gifts—but did you know this day of love is rooted in ancient rituals, sacred traditions, and powerful symbols that have transcended time?
A Love Ritual from the Ancients
Long before Hallmark cards and candlelit dinners, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, a festival honoring fertility, ancestors, and the cycle of rebirth. Single women placed their names into urns, where bachelors would draw lots to determine a match—sometimes for a night, sometimes for a year.
In medieval France and England, this practice evolved: men wore their beloved’s name on their sleeve (where we get the phrase wearing your heart on your sleeve) and pledged to care for her for a full year.
The Story of St. Valentine
One legend says that in the 3rd century, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage, believing that unattached men made better soldiers. A compassionate Christian priest named Valentine defied this decree, secretly marrying couples. When discovered, he was imprisoned and ultimately executed on February 14th. Before his death, he sent a letter to the jailer’s daughter, signing it “From your Valentine”—a phrase we still use today.
Through the centuries, these traditions endured: handwritten love notes, heartfelt poetry, and the exchange of gifts as symbols of devotion. In the Victorian era, pressed flowers and scented letters were believed to hold the essence of the sender’s emotions.
A Valentine’s Ritual: Love as an Act of Devotion
Whether you are in a relationship or single, love always begins within. When we nurture love within ourselves, we become a magnet for deeper, healthier relationships.
If you are in a relationship:
Reignite passion—reflect on what drew you together in the first place.
Heal miscommunication—shift the focus from criticism to appreciation.
Renew your vows—remind your partner what you love about them and commit to nurturing your bond.
If you are single:
Treat yourself as precious—love yourself the way you want to be loved.
Set an intention for love—what do you truly desire in a partner?
Indulge in self-care—buy yourself flowers, take yourself to brunch, start a creative project.
Know that love is everywhere—the best place to meet someone isn’t a dating app, it’s in the flow of life when you’re doing what brings you joy.
Love as a Daily Practice
Imagine how different your life would be if every day were Valentine’s Day—not about commercialized romance, but about true, deep, intentional love. Love for yourself. Love for your partner. Love for your friends, family, and community.
And let’s not forget Mother Earth—the original source of love and abundance. This Valentine’s Day, offer a rose to the earth as a token of gratitude. Let’s nurture and cherish her as we do our own hearts.
May this be a season of love, renewal, and transformation.
Gift yourself and your loved ones with my magical aromatherapy sprays: Of all of our 5 senses, smell is the one thing that goes directly to the brain, thereby influencing our emotions and physical health. Shop Here.
With love,
Barbara