Although many people may not know it, the ancient custom of celebrating Valentine's Day is connected to several old Hungarian traditions, beliefs and superstitions, as the folowing article explains.

History of Saint Valentine’s Day

In the historical context of the ancient Roman Empire, specifically during the 3rd century, there existed two significant religious observances between February 13 and 15: the festivals of Faunus and Lupercalia or Februa.

These rituals were conducted to appease Lupercus, a deity symbolized by a wolf and associated with malevolent spirits, as well as the wolf that reputedly nurtured Romulus and Remus.

The ceremonial practices during these festivities involved priests employing belts crafted from goat skin to administer corporal punishment to women. It was believed that such punitive actions possessed purifying qualities. Beyond these austere customs, the occasion featured more pleasurable activities.

Young females commonly sought guidance at the temple of Juno, the goddess of childbirth and marriage, receiving ritualistic prophecies regarding their future spouses. Concurrently, men bestowed gifts and flowers upon their wives, while the less affluent engaged in a tombola, a game wherein maiden women were chosen.

Historical accounts propose that, subsequently, romantic inclinations blossomed between the chosen couples, leading to eventual marriages. Notably, the aristocracy held a disdainful view of such tombola games.

The genesis of Valentine's Day is attributed to Valentinus of Rome, a Christian priest who was martyred on February 14, 269, coinciding with the celebration of Lupercalia.

The news of Valentinus's execution disseminated throughout the city, leading to the conflation of the Lupercalia celebration and the commemoration of the priest. Over time, these two distinct observances coalesced into a singular celebration known as Saint Valentine's Day. Although historians dispute this association, numerous authors and experts assert its veracity.

In Hungary, Saint Valentine's Day is referred to as Valentin Nap or Bálint-nap. Saint Bálint, canonized in the 5th century after his execution, is regarded as the patron saint of lovers, married couples, engaged couples, neurotics, and epileptics.

Modern Valentine's Day customs, such as the exchange of flowers and chocolates, gained prominence in Hungary around 1990. However, preceding its public celebration, various traditions and superstitions were associated with Saint Bálint's Day.

On this day, weather conditions assumed significance as the indicator of forthcoming agricultural fortunes in spring. Women engaged in symbolic acts, such as placing chickens on eggs, while men undertook tasks such as planting trees, pruning fruit trees, and tending to household animals.

February 14 held a special significance for birds, marked by the return of wild pigeons and the melodious singing of sparrows, signalling the imminent arrival of spring. Villagers, following the guidance of Hungarian ethnographer Sándor Bálint, meticulously cleaned roads and streets, placing cereals and dried fruits there for birds. In certain regions, farmers embarked on pre-dawn walks to deter birds that could pose a threat to their crops.

Notably, the village of Feketics in Serbia maintained a belief that if larks began singing, cold and frosty weather would persist.

In terms of love-related superstitions, young girls observed the custom of consuming an apple containing nine seeds, discreetly placing these seeds in the pockets of unsuspecting boys. Legend maintained that the recipient of the nine seeds would inevitably fall in love with the girl.

Another practice involved lighting matches: the direction from which the breeze came that extinguished the match, indicated the approach of a new romantic interest. Additionally, the act of fetching water from nine wells and having someone consume it was believed to initiate love.

Lastly, it was strictly prohibited for girls to engage in sweeping activities on this day, as violating this custom was thought to preclude the prospect of matrimony.

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Proofread by:
Marion Merrick 
Language editor and author: Now You See It, Now You Don’t  / Surprising Expats / Budapest Retro