BY: Robert Jowaiszas, Community Editor
Valentine’s Day didn’t begin with heart-shaped candy boxes or crowded restaurant reservations. Its origins stretch back thousands of years to ancient Rome, where mid-February festivals celebrated fertility and the coming of spring. Over centuries, stories of devotion and sacrifice slowly shaped the holiday into a day associated with romance and personal connection.
As Christianity spread across Europe, stories of a martyr known as Saint Valentine became connected to February 14. According to tradition, he secretly married couples during a time when such unions were restricted. Over time, devotion and sacrifice blended with romance, shaping the holiday’s meaning.
By the Middle Ages, writers and poets helped popularize the idea of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of courtly love. People exchanged handwritten love notes and small gifts — simple gestures compared to modern celebrations.
From Handwritten Notes to Big Business: The transformation into a commercial holiday began in the 1800s when mass printing allowed decorative cards to be produced in large numbers. American card makers helped popularize printed valentines, turning a personal tradition into a growing industry.
By the early 1900s, businesses recognized the holiday’s economic potential. Candy companies introduced heart-shaped chocolate boxes, florists promoted roses as romantic symbols, and greeting card companies encouraged gift-giving through nationwide marketing campaigns.
After World War II, Valentine’s Day expanded into a major retail event, with jewelry stores, restaurants, and department stores promoting romantic experiences. Television advertising and later social media amplified expectations, turning a once-simple tradition into a multi-billion-dollar celebration.
Ghostly Walks Along the Hudson: In Nyack, residents have long shared stories of mysterious couples seen walking near the river late at night — only to disappear moments later. Renovations in older homes have reportedly uncovered hidden love letters tucked behind walls, adding to local lore about secret romances.
Secret Romance in the Brickyards: During the industrial boom years in Haverstraw, stories circulated about couples from different cultural backgrounds meeting quietly along the Hudson shoreline. These tales reflect relationships shaped by tradition and strong community expectations.
The Blue Lady and Lost Love: One of Rockland’s most enduring romantic ghost legends comes from Clausland Mountain Park, where hikers have reported sightings of a mysterious woman dressed in blue, said to be waiting for a lost partner who never returned.
Dramatic Views, Dramatic Breakups: Clifftop paths at Hook Mountain were once quiet meeting places for couples seeking privacy away from strict social expectations. Local lore suggests many proposals and emotional breakups took place during long walks overlooking the Hudson River.
Whispers by the Water: Visitors to Rockland Lake State Park have long told stories of strange reflections and whispered voices heard during late-night walks. While likely imagination, the stories remain part of Rockland’s ongoing storytelling tradition.
A Holiday With Two Sides: Today, Valentine’s Day blends centuries of tradition — from ancient rituals and medieval poetry to modern marketing and local legend. Here in Rockland County, those layers come together in stories passed down through generations, reminding residents that love stories are rarely simple and often carry a touch of mystery along the way.