There is no single person credited with creating "Love Day" as a universal holiday. However, Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is the most widely recognized day associated with love and romance. Its origins are complex and shrouded in history, but several key figures and events have shaped its evolution.
Origins of Valentine's Day:
- St. Valentine: The day is named after a Christian saint, likely one of two early martyrs named Valentine. Their exact lives and stories are debated, but they were associated with love and marriage.
- Pope Gelasius: In the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day, officially incorporating it into the Christian calendar.
- Medieval Tradition: During the Middle Ages, the day became associated with romantic love and courtship. This association arose from the belief that birds began mating around February 14th.
- Geoffrey Chaucer: In the 14th century, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about St. Valentine's Day in his poem "Parliament of Foules," further popularizing the association with romantic love.
Modern Valentine's Day:
- 18th and 19th centuries: The tradition of sending Valentine's cards and exchanging gifts gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries, solidifying the day as a romantic celebration.
- Commercialization: In the 20th century, Valentine's Day became increasingly commercialized, with retailers and marketers capitalizing on the sentiment of love and gifting.
While Valentine's Day is the most prominent "Love Day," other specific days celebrate various aspects of love:
- Black Love Day: Founded in 1993 by Ayo Handy-Kendi, this day, celebrated on February 13th, focuses on celebrating Black love and relationships.
- National First Love Day: This day, celebrated on September 18th, is a relatively new holiday dedicated to celebrating the memory and impact of one's first love.
Therefore, while there is no singular creator of a universal "Love Day," various figures and events have contributed to the evolution of Valentine's Day, making it the most widely recognized day associated with love.
