Ep 8. Why Do We Have Valentine's Day?

Know It All Nina Season 1 Episode 8 - "Why Do We Have Valentine's Day?"

In this episode of Know It All Nina, our curious and knowledgeable host delves into the origins and traditions behind Valentine's Day. With her inquisitive nature and charm, Nina uncovers the intriguing history of this celebrated day of love.

The episode begins with Nina speaking directly to the camera, sporting her signature enthusiasm and eagerness to share her knowledge. She introduces the topic of Valentine's Day, acknowledging that it is a holiday filled with cards, chocolates, and expressions of love, but she poses the question, "Why do we have Valentine's Day?"

Nina starts her investigation by exploring the origins of Valentine's Day. She reveals that the holiday has its roots in ancient Roman traditions, specifically the festival of Lupercalia. She explains that Lupercalia was a pagan fertility festival held every year on February 15th. It was a wild and raucous celebration where men would draw names of women from a jar to become their partners for the duration of the festival. Nina emphasizes that this ancient festival set the foundation for the romantic aspect of Valentine's Day.

Next, Nina dives into the history of Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love, who is associated with Valentine's Day. She brings up different stories and legends surrounding Saint Valentine, shedding light on his identity and influence. Nina shares accounts of Saint Valentine secretly marrying young couples against the wishes of the Roman Emperor, who had banned marriages. She highlights the bravery and compassion of Saint Valentine and how his actions became intertwined with the idea of love and devotion.

Moving forward, Nina explores how Valentine's Day became more popular in medieval times. She explains that during the Middle Ages, the tradition of courtly love emerged, influencing the romantic ideals associated with the holiday. Nina describes courtly love as a chivalrous and refined form of love and courtship, which set the tone for the romantic gestures and expressions commonly observed on Valentine's Day.

Continuing her investigation, Nina uncovers the role of literature and the famous poet Geoffrey Chaucer in solidifying the association between love and Valentine's Day. She explains that Chaucer, in his poem "Parliament of Fowls," popularized the idea of Valentine's Day as a day for lovers. His poetic words helped cement the romantic essence of the holiday, and his influence can still be felt in the many love poems and messages exchanged on February 14th.

Nina also addresses the question of why we exchange gifts and cards on Valentine's Day. She brings up the tradition of exchanging handwritten love letters, which dates back centuries. Nina notes that as literacy rates grew and technology advanced, love letters evolved into the Valentine's Day cards we know today. She discusses the rise of commercialized cards in the 19th century and how they became a popular way to express affection and admiration for loved ones.

Throughout the episode, Nina interviews experts and historians, adding depth and credibility to her exploration of Valentine's Day. She effortlessly weaves facts, anecdotes, and personal experiences together, captivating the audience with her engaging storytelling.

In conclusion, "Why Do We Have Valentine's Day?" is an enlightening episode of Know It All Nina. Nina expertly unravels the history and traditions of Valentine's Day, revealing the ancient roots, the influence of Saint Valentine, the emergence of courtly love, and the evolution of Valentine's Day cards. This episode not only answers the title question but also provides a fascinating journey through time, showcasing the enduring allure of love and the significance of Valentine's Day in our lives.