Hotel Roma Valentine’s Day and the Art of Celebrating Love Every Day
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Valentine’s Day and the Art of Celebrating Love Every Day
February 03 2025
Culture Hotel Roma 
Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a date dedicated to love, but its origins are shrouded in legends and deep meanings that go beyond traditional gifts and grand declarations.
Much of the history and origins of this celebration remain a mystery, and over time, various legends have contributed to shaping the tradition.
During the Roman Empire, Lupercalia appears to be one of the earliest festivities celebrating fertility and the purification of women; it was one of the most curious traditions of Ancient Rome, celebrated annually between February 13 and 15.
During that period, there are reports that Emperor Claudius II banned the celebration of marriages during wartime, believing that single men made better soldiers. However, the Roman Bishop Valentine defied the decree and continued to secretly perform marriages. When this was discovered, Valentine was imprisoned and sentenced to death.
While awaiting execution in prison, Valentine fell in love with the blind daughter of a jailer and miraculously restored her sight. It is said that in all the letters he wrote to her, he signed off as “Your Valentine.”
Over the centuries, the date evolved from a religious commemoration into a celebration of romantic love, especially during the Middle Ages when poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer associated it with the idea of courtly love.
Chaucer, often referred to as the "father of English literature," is linked to Valentine’s Day thanks to his work Parliament of Fowls, written around 1380:
"For this was on seynt Volantynys day,
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."
Despite the grandeur of the gestures attributed to Saint Valentine—such as defying an empire to unite lovers—the essence of love does not depend solely on heroic or dramatic acts.
Often, in our daily lives, we become so immersed in our routines and personal challenges that we forget the importance of gestures of affection, understanding, and empathy.
By recognizing and nurturing these small acts of love—whether through a smile, a hug, or words of encouragement—we follow Saint Valentine’s example and strengthen the bonds that unite us, even in the most challenging times.
Whether romantic love, fraternal love, or self-love, what truly matters this month—and throughout the year—is taking time for gestures that genuinely cultivate the spirit of Saint Valentine.
Taking a moment to be present and listen, or enjoying quality time with family or friends, are simple actions that have the power to transform our lives and those around us.
At Hotel Roma, we welcome you with open arms and greet you with the warmth and kindness that define us. Celebrate in our restaurant or our Wine Bar, where we highlight our special Valentine's Day menu.
Click here for more suggestions on what to do in Lisbon during February.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Much of the history and origins of this celebration remain a mystery, and over time, various legends have contributed to shaping the tradition.
During the Roman Empire, Lupercalia appears to be one of the earliest festivities celebrating fertility and the purification of women; it was one of the most curious traditions of Ancient Rome, celebrated annually between February 13 and 15.
During that period, there are reports that Emperor Claudius II banned the celebration of marriages during wartime, believing that single men made better soldiers. However, the Roman Bishop Valentine defied the decree and continued to secretly perform marriages. When this was discovered, Valentine was imprisoned and sentenced to death.
While awaiting execution in prison, Valentine fell in love with the blind daughter of a jailer and miraculously restored her sight. It is said that in all the letters he wrote to her, he signed off as “Your Valentine.”
Over the centuries, the date evolved from a religious commemoration into a celebration of romantic love, especially during the Middle Ages when poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer associated it with the idea of courtly love.
Chaucer, often referred to as the "father of English literature," is linked to Valentine’s Day thanks to his work Parliament of Fowls, written around 1380:
"For this was on seynt Volantynys day,
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make."
Despite the grandeur of the gestures attributed to Saint Valentine—such as defying an empire to unite lovers—the essence of love does not depend solely on heroic or dramatic acts.
Often, in our daily lives, we become so immersed in our routines and personal challenges that we forget the importance of gestures of affection, understanding, and empathy.
By recognizing and nurturing these small acts of love—whether through a smile, a hug, or words of encouragement—we follow Saint Valentine’s example and strengthen the bonds that unite us, even in the most challenging times.
Whether romantic love, fraternal love, or self-love, what truly matters this month—and throughout the year—is taking time for gestures that genuinely cultivate the spirit of Saint Valentine.
Taking a moment to be present and listen, or enjoying quality time with family or friends, are simple actions that have the power to transform our lives and those around us.
At Hotel Roma, we welcome you with open arms and greet you with the warmth and kindness that define us. Celebrate in our restaurant or our Wine Bar, where we highlight our special Valentine's Day menu.
Click here for more suggestions on what to do in Lisbon during February.
Happy Valentine’s Day!