The Origins of Valentine’s Day
Every February 14, across the United States and around the world, flowers, boxes of chocolates, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.
But who is this interesting fella, and where did these traditions come from? Let’s find out about the history of this holiday, from ancient Roman rituals.
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The association between mid-February and romance goes back to the pagan holiday in Rome called “Lupercalia.” They were honoring the idol Lupa or she-wolf of Rome. This was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
The festivities began with animal sacrifice. They would strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both young women and crop fields with the goat hide. In the 5th century, in perhaps an effort to “Christianize” a pagan holiday, the pope Gelasius appointed February 14th St. Valentine’s Day.
As for the real Valentine, he was a Roman priest who lived during the 3rd century AD under the rule of Claudius II. Claudius’ army required a vast number of men to leave their wives and children for extended periods of time. These soldiers were hard-hearted and homesick because of the emperor’s harshness to them. Eventually, he didn’t even allow for young soldiers to get married at all.
St. Valentine saw this rule as unjust, and he decided to help young lovers to get married secretly. Eventually, Claudius caught Valentine, arrested him, and sentenced him to death. Some believe that the young couple that Valentine helped marry last came to visit him in a cell, giving him flowers and notes through the bars as a symbol of their thankfulness.
The story continues that Valentine fell in love with the jailor’s daughter. On February 14th, the day when he was executed, it is said that he passed the girl a note where he signed, “from your Valentine.” From this, the tradition came to history.
Our modern Valentine’s Day, removed from its religious and pagan past, has evolved to one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. Almost every American showers their loved ones with 100 plus million roses—red ones, naturally—and almost 40 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate or candy. Not to mention the cards, dinners and precious stones that are given. Some believe that this holiday brings almost 15–20 billion dollars annually.
But if you worry that you cannot afford to treat your loved ones this Valentine’s Day, take heart, because Valentine once said, “Love is really all you need.”
Happy St. Valentine’s Day to you all!
Timur