Damn, Valentine’s Day Is A Big Ol’ Mess Valentine’s Day’s origins are tied to at least three St. Valentines, none of whom were directly associated with romantic love. The holiday’s connection to romance is largely attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem ‘Parlement of Foules,’ which linked it to birds choosing mates in early spring. By Shakespeare’s time, Valentine’s Day was established, with references appearing in his plays, further solidifying its association with love.

• There were multiple St. Valentines, possibly only one or two individuals, and their connection to love is questionable.
• St. Valentine of Terni is the patron saint of epilepsy and beekeepers, not romance.
• The association with love likely stems from Chaucer’s ‘Parlement of Foules,’ which depicts birds choosing mates on Valentine’s Day.
• King Richard II, who died on February 14th, may have been referenced in the poem that inspired the holiday’s romantic association.
• Shakespeare referenced Valentine’s Day in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Hamlet,’ indicating its cultural significance by his time.