The History of Valentines Day
Updated: Nov 4, 2024
This past Wednesday was Valentine's Day, the holiday known as the most romantic day of the year. Because of its associations with love, hearts, and flowers, it may surprise you to know that it was originally a gory pagan festival.
Beginning in the earlier 5th century Valentine's day was celebrated by the Romans and known as “Lupercalia” a celebration honoring the ancient Roman fertility god Lupercus. The festivities included the ritual of sacrificing at least one male goat to represent sexuality and a dog (the reason for which is unknown). This ritual was performed by a crowd of Roman priests who then applied the blood from the sacrificial knife on the foreheads of two of their peers. During the festival the priests remained unclothed and often hit the surrounding women with goat hides shortly after they were removed from the animal (this act was welcomed by the women as it was said to result in more fertility).
Other men were then instructed to choose a woman's name from a jar and partener with them until the next year's festival. It was not uncommon for the pairings to fall in love and marry, most likely creating the romantic aspect that we associate the holiday with today.
As time went on, nudity became less and less common and tradition evolved into clothed men hitting women on their hands. In regards to the name it is unclear exactly where it originated, however, the most popular idea comes from the legend of a man named Valentine who was executed for marrying persecuted Christian couples in love. It is said that before his death he fell in love with the daughter of his jailor, a blind girl he tutored by the name of Julia. Eventually God returned Julia’s sight after her and Valentine prayed together and on the eve of his murder, Valentine wrote her a love letter signed “From your Valentine”.
Though the holiday stayed prevalent during the early rise of Christianity it was later outlawed, only to be brought back by Pope Gelasius who deemed February 14th “St. Valentine’s Day”. So, even though it is now seen as a sweet, joyful holiday, The roots of the celebration prove it to be anything but.
Citations - Article
\“Lupercalia: Meaning, Pagan Rituals, Valentine’s Day.” History.Com, A&E Television
Networks, www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/lupercalia. Accessed 20 Feb.
2024.
Citation - Photo
When Is Valentines Day? - Valentine’s Day 2024, www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays
