Story behind Valentine Day
The holiday has evolved from Roman mythology to a religious holiday to a day of celebrating love. Romans had the feast of Lupercalia, named after Lupercus, the god of fertility. It happened every year in February and had many parts. There was a sacrificial slaughtering of goats and young dogs, both known for their strong sexual instincts. The sacrifice was to please Lupercus. If the god was happy, he would spare their sheep from his wolves. Another piece of the celebration was the tradition of matching young couples. Each teen boy would choose a girl’s name from a lottery. The two would be paired up for the festivities and remain sexual partners for the following year. This too was done trusting that it was the will of the gods. Also during that era, February 14th was a celebration of Juno, queen of the Roman gods and goddesses, and had nothing in common with Valentine’s Day other than sharing the date.
Much later, in the early days of Christianity, some bishops took the name of Valentine. One of them, who we now call St. Valentine, was arrested at the order of Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor had forbidden his soldiers to marry because he believed their emotional ties to women and children would weaken their ability to fight. Valentine ignored his ruling and was sent to jail for presiding over a marriage involving a soldier. The Emperor was impressed with Valentine’s conviction, and was unable to sway his Christian beliefs, and therefore Valentine was declared a martyr after his death. It is said that February 14th is the day of either Valentine’s death or his burial. During his imprisonment, rumor has it that the priest performed a miracle and healed the jailer’s blind daughter. Another rumor is that he fell in love with her and would send her love notes signed, “Your Valentine.” The stories of St. Valentine’s valiant defiance of the Emperor and of his jailhouse love captivated all who heard it.
Some time later, the Pope declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day to commemorate the life of St. Valentine. The pope’s purpose was to rid society of the pagan holiday and to cleanse it from sexual immorality while honoring the saints. While practical, the religious aspects of the holiday did not take on like he’d planned.
Many versions of Lupercalia gained popularity over the years in small social groups, but faded out just as quickly. However, the elements of the much evolved holiday are attributed to the sensual history of February 14th as well as the romantic story of St. Valentine. Surely, the priest’s signature on his love note is the inspiration for the classic Valentine's Day question, “Will you be my Valentine?” Just as other myths throughout history, the stories have spread, melded, and developed into one of today’s most celebrated holidays.
Much later, in the early days of Christianity, some bishops took the name of Valentine. One of them, who we now call St. Valentine, was arrested at the order of Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor had forbidden his soldiers to marry because he believed their emotional ties to women and children would weaken their ability to fight. Valentine ignored his ruling and was sent to jail for presiding over a marriage involving a soldier. The Emperor was impressed with Valentine’s conviction, and was unable to sway his Christian beliefs, and therefore Valentine was declared a martyr after his death. It is said that February 14th is the day of either Valentine’s death or his burial. During his imprisonment, rumor has it that the priest performed a miracle and healed the jailer’s blind daughter. Another rumor is that he fell in love with her and would send her love notes signed, “Your Valentine.” The stories of St. Valentine’s valiant defiance of the Emperor and of his jailhouse love captivated all who heard it.
Some time later, the Pope declared February 14th as St. Valentine’s Day to commemorate the life of St. Valentine. The pope’s purpose was to rid society of the pagan holiday and to cleanse it from sexual immorality while honoring the saints. While practical, the religious aspects of the holiday did not take on like he’d planned.
Many versions of Lupercalia gained popularity over the years in small social groups, but faded out just as quickly. However, the elements of the much evolved holiday are attributed to the sensual history of February 14th as well as the romantic story of St. Valentine. Surely, the priest’s signature on his love note is the inspiration for the classic Valentine's Day question, “Will you be my Valentine?” Just as other myths throughout history, the stories have spread, melded, and developed into one of today’s most celebrated holidays.
True a not, you be the judge
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