Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honouring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.
Over time, the day evolved into a major cultural, religious and commercial celebration of love and romance worldwide — including in Uganda. In Uganda, the day is widely embraced by couples, friends and families, and is commonly marked using the symbolic colours red (representing love and passion) and black (often associated with elegance and affection).
Several legends are associated with Saint Valentine and February 14. One account tells of Saint Valentine of Rome, who was imprisoned for ministering to persecuted Christians during the third-century Roman Empire.
According to early tradition, Saint Valentine is said to have restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. Later versions of the legend further connect him to romantic love. An 18th-century account claims he wrote a farewell letter to the jailer’s daughter signed “Your Valentine” before his execution. Another tradition suggests he secretly officiated weddings for Christian soldiers who had been forbidden to marry.
It is believed that the Feast of Saint Valentine was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honour of Saint Valentine of Rome, who is said to have died on that date in AD 269.
The association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love grew stronger in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the concept of courtly love flourished in Europe. The season was also linked to the belief that birds began pairing in early spring, reinforcing the theme of romance.
Today, the occasion is widely marked by couples expressing affection through flowers, chocolates, greeting cards and gifts. In Uganda, many people celebrate by going out for dinners, organising surprise gifts, attending social events or sharing messages of appreciation on social media.
Common symbols of Valentine’s Day include heart shapes, doves and Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely been replaced by mass-produced greeting cards. In Italy, Saint Valentine’s Keys are sometimes given as romantic symbols representing the unlocking of one’s heart and, traditionally, to protect children from epilepsy.
Although Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday in any country, it remains an official feast day in the Anglican Communion and continues to be widely celebrated across the globe — including in Uganda, where it has become an important expression of love, friendship and connection.
