Every February, hearts, roses and overpriced chocolates appear everywhere – including in Greek homes worldwide that definitely didn’t grow up celebrating Valentine’s Day.
So it begs the question: does Valentine’s Day have any Greek origins at all?
Short answer: no.
More honest answer: not officially – but Greek inspo is written all over the day.
Where Valentine’s Day Actually Comes From
Valentine’s Day is traditionally linked to Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr during Roman times.
So historically speaking, a Roman Christian and Western European tradition. Not ancient Greek or Byzantine.
If you’re thinking that you may have heard the name in use around Greece, it’s because Orthodox calendars do include martyrs named Valentine in July, but they were never associated with romantic love in Greek tradition. Valentine’s Day as a celebration of couples remains a Western import.
But the Greeks Invented How We Understand Love
While Valentine’s Day itself isn’t Greek, the language and philosophy of love definitely are.
Ancient Greeks didn’t treat love as one emotion, they broke it down into types.
Eros – romantic desire, attraction, passion
Agape – unconditional, selfless love
Philia – friendship, loyalty, shared values
Storge – family love, affection, familiarity
If Valentine’s Day focuses on Eros, Greek culture reminds us that love is wider, deeper and layered.
Also, Cupid Is Actually Greek
That winged baby with a bow is not originally Roman. Cupid is based on Eros, the Greek god of love. If you feel like going down a rabbit hole of mythical origins and etymology, read the Wikipedia article. Greek Eros wasn’t always cute or harmless. He was:
- unpredictable
- powerful
- sometimes chaotic
- capable of creating obsession, not just romance
Just like a real romance (and Greek mythology is full of these love story dramas, it’s like we humans have never changed!)
Did Ancient Greeks Celebrate Love Days?
Not in the Valentine’s Day sense.
Instead, love, fertility and desire were woven into seasonal rituals and festivals, often tied to nature and renewal — like Anthesteria, which focused on rebirth, fertility and life cycles.
Love wasn’t commercial, it was symbolic.
And it was everywhere — not confined to one day.
So… Do Greeks Celebrate Valentine’s Day Today?
Not traditionally speaking.
Valentine’s Day entered Greece through globalisation and pop culture marketing. Younger Greeks might exchange gifts or go out for dinner, but many consider it a foreign-imported celebration.
Interestingly enough, my diasporic mother-in-law will sometimes say “Χρόνια πολλά για την ημέρα του Αγίου Βαλεντίνου” (happy returns for Saint Valentine’s Day) and may buy the women in a family a flower. I am not sure if this is some modern form of cultural syncretism, or if she is associating it with the Eastern Orthodox ‘Valentine’ martyr. I do know she loves to give wishes and celebrate those around her and never misses a name day.
Final Thoughts
Valentine’s Day might not be Greek by origin, but the way Greeks understand love is deeper than any single date on a calendar.
P.S. Check out this article to learn about the Greek origin of the love heart symbolism!
uthor’s note: This blog was written by a human using a combination of AI tools and human input. All content is 100% verified with sources from the Internet by a human. This blog also references real experiences by the author.
