Valentine's Day and the Influence of Films on Romance

The Origins of Valentine’s Day: Legends and Stories

Valentine’s Day—a day eagerly awaited by those in love, while those without a partner often dismiss it as unimportant, sometimes with a hint of jealousy. But we all know that this Day affects everyone and creates a sense of expectation.

So, where did Valentine’s Day come from? Who introduced it into our lives? The answers to these questions vary, and there are several different theories. Here are some of the most common ones:

One theory traces its origins back to ancient Rome, specifically to the festival of Lupercalia, held in honor of the fertility goddess Artemis. This festival, which lasted for three days, involved feasting and drinking, and a lottery system where men would randomly select a woman’s name from a box. The chosen pair would be partners for the duration of the festival and sometimes even end up getting married. Later, the church sought to abolish this pagan tradition, but the people had grown too fond of the celebration, leading to its transformation into St. Valentine’s Day. Quite the upgrade, isn’t it?

There are also multiple historical figures named Valentine associated with the Day. One was a priest from the city now known as Terni, while another was a martyr from North Africa.

The most widely accepted story involves a priest named Valentine in Rome during the 3rd century. Emperor Claudius II believed that married men made poor soldiers because they were too attached to their families. As a result, he banned marriages for young soldiers. However, Saint Valentine believed that marriage was a divine gift and secretly performed wedding ceremonies. When the emperor discovered this, he sentenced Valentine to death. While imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter. Before his execution on February 14, he sent her a letter signed “From Your Valentine.”

Another theory attributes Valentine’s Day to Geoffrey Chaucer, the 14th-century English poet, who was the first to associate February 14 with romance. According to Chaucer, birds choose their mates on this date, inspiring humans to do the same.

Regardless of its origins, Pope Gelasius officially declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, which has been celebrated ever since.

The Human Need to Love and Be Loved

No matter which version of Valentine’s Day’s history is accurate, one undeniable truth remains: humans have an innate need to love, be loved, and feel valued. We seek emotional connections and set rules to guide our relationships. At the core of our existence is the need to be understood, to touch, and to be touched—both physically and emotionally.

The Business of Love: Valentine’s Day and Its Billion-Dollar Economy

The tradition of exchanging gifts on Valentine’s Day is believed to have originated from Saint Valentine’s final letter, signed “From Your Valentine.” Over time, this romantic gesture has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Capitalism has put a price on emotions and values, leading to the perception that the more expensive the gift, the deeper the love. Unfortunately, this materialistic view can erode the true essence of love, making it superficial.

When we hear stories of old-fashioned romance, we often admire their depth and intensity. But today, people are less inclined to commit to lifelong relationships. While we respect couples who have been together for decades, we often see long-term commitment as an exhausting burden rather than a beautiful journey.

The Role of Art and Cinema in Shaping Love

Life is a constant struggle, and we often navigate it as if we were on a battlefield. Over time, this affects our appreciation for beauty and emotions. Artistic expressions such as cinema, painting, sculpture, and music serve as cultural refinements that nurture our souls. Love, too, benefits from this refinement.

Cinema, with its powerful visual storytelling, has a unique ability to influence our emotions and perceptions. Short films, in particular, offer impactful messages in a brief yet effective format. Many short films available on streaming platforms are not only entertaining but also deeply thought-provoking.

Must-Watch Short Films with a Romantic Theme

1. First Love: “How Tommy Lemenchick Became a Grade 7 Legend”

First, love is unforgettable. No matter how many people we meet in life, the one who makes our heart race for the first time always holds a special place. This film beautifully captures the innocence of young love. The protagonist, a girl searching for her “frog prince,” carefully evaluates her options and makes a strategic choice. The way she maneuvers through this youthful romance is both clever and endearing. The film also highlights the complexities of school life, where friendships and social pressures intertwine.

You can watch the film on Cineshort App: Start Watching

2. Modern Romance: “97%”

For adults navigating the dating world, “97%” is a must-watch romantic comedy. The protagonist searches for love through a dating app, which indicates that his perfect match is nearby. Ironically, while he is busy looking at his phone, he fails to notice the love right before him. This film humorously reflects modern dating culture, where technology often blinds us to real-life connections.

You can watch the "97%" on the Cineshort: Start Watching

3. A Quirky Love Story: “Handsy”

“Handsy” is a unique and playful romantic comedy. It follows the love story of two hands—yes, hands—that find ways to meet whenever possible. However, their owners remain completely unaware of their secret romance. What happens when the owners finally discover what their hands have been up to? The answer awaits at the film’s delightful conclusion.

You can watch the "Handsy" on the Cineshort: Start Watching

4. Love in Later Years: “The Orchestra” & “The Driving Seat”

Love is often associated with youth, but what happens when we grow older?

• “The Orchestra” is a beautifully crafted animated film that metaphorically depicts the inner turmoil we experience as we age. Our minds become cluttered with conflicting thoughts, leading to confusion and self-doubt. Sometimes, all we need is a supportive friend or a loving gesture to restore harmony within us.

"The Orchestra" is available on Cineshort: Start Watching

• “The Driving Seat” is a lighthearted romantic comedy about an older couple seeking excitement and new adventures in life. It’s a fun reminder that love and passion know no age.

"The Driving Seat" is available on Cineshort: Start Watching

Conclusion: Love as Life’s Greatest Emotion

From the moment we first understand what love is until our later years, it remains one of the most meaningful emotions in life. Love is a gift, and being loved in return is a blessing.

Wishing everyone a life filled with love and happiness. Happy Valentine’s Day!