Hey New York, Have You Heard About the Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day?

Valentine's Day – a day associated with love, romance, and adoration. But have you ever wondered about its darker origins? You have heard about them, right? No? Oh, well sit down then.

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While Valentine's Day is now celebrated with chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt messages, its roots can be traced back to ancient Rome and even earlier.

The ancient Roman festival known as Lupercalia, held between February 13th and 15th, served as an important precursor to Valentine's Day. This pagan festival was marked by extravagant rituals and celebrations honoring fertility and the coming of spring.

During Lupercalia, men would sacrifice animals and then whip women with the hides to promote fertility and ensure the health of future children. This ritual was believed to increase a woman's chances of conceiving and having a successful childbirth.

However, as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the Church sought to transform pagan celebrations into Christian holidays. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I made a decision that forever changed the trajectory of Lupercalia. In an effort to Christianize the festival, February 14th was declared as St. Valentine's Day to honor the Christian martyr(s) named Valentine.

The true identity and story of Saint Valentine(s) remain shrouded in mystery, with several narratives and legends surrounding this figure. There are at least three Christian martyrs with the name Valentine, each associated with romantic and compassionate acts.

One popular legend involves a Roman priest named Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II's order restricting soldiers from marrying. Valentine secretly performed marriages for soldiers in love, considering it a sacred act deserving of recognition. Unfortunately, this act of rebellion led to the priest's execution on February 14th, ultimately linking his name to the day.

Despite the Church's efforts to shift the focus to Christian martyrs, remnants of Lupercalia's fertility festivities continued to influence the celebrations associated with Valentine's Day. The notion of romantic love emerged during the Middle Ages and was further popularized by works of literature, such as Chaucer's poem "The Parliament of Fowls."

Over time, Valentine's Day evolved from into a celebration of love and affection, with the exchange of notes and tokens of affection becoming customary. The commercialization of the holiday further cemented its association with romance and affection in contemporary society.