Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday that is often associated with love, heartfelt messages, and affection. Yet the origin of the holiday is vague, having evolved through different cultures and traditions. While we mostly celebrate Valentine’s Day in love, its origins stem from ancient Roman traditions and religious martyrdom.
The Pagan Festival, also known as the Lupercalia, is an ancient Roman festival held during February 13-15. The festival celebrates Lupercus, the god of fertility and Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome. The festival includes sacrifices, large feasts, and a matchmaking drawing event where men would draw the names of women for the festival.
Another story says the holiday originated as a Christian feast day, honoring a martyr–a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs–named St. Valentine. While imprisoned, Valentine fell in love with a jailer’s daughter who he heals from blindness. Valentine sends her a note signed “From your Valentine.”
Another story suggests that the Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriages for young soldiers, believing that single men made better warriors. Valentine continued to secretly perform marriages and was later beheaded on February 14th.
Today, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration. Valentine’s Day didn’t really start until the start of the 20th century when Hallmark produced Valentine cards with heartfelt messages in 1913. Later, the tradition of gifting them with red roses and chocolates was further popularized.While its origins are rooted in mystery, the essence of Valentine’s Day remains the same–celebrating love and connection.
