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Valentine’s Day is widely known as a celebration of love, but its origins are far from romantic. The holiday’s history is rooted in ancient Rome, marked by violence, martyrdom, and even pagan rituals.
The most widely accepted origin of Valentine’s Day traces back to St. Valentine, a priest who allegedly defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young soldiers. Valentine secretly performed weddings, believing in love over law. When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and later executed on February 14, around 270 AD. Some legends claim that before his death, he sent a letter signed “From your Valentine,” which may have inspired modern traditions.
How romantic, right?
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However, the story goes deeper than that.
Valentine’s Day may also be linked to Lupercalia, a violent pagan festival celebrated in mid-February. Lupercalia involved the sacrifice of goats and dogs, followed by men using strips of the animals’ hides to whip women, supposedly to increase fertility. The festival concluded with a lottery where men would draw women’s names, pairing them for the duration of the festival—sometimes longer.
How sexy is that?
As Christianity spread, Pope Gelasius I abolished Lupercalia in 496 AD, replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day to redirect attention toward a more religious, love-centered observance. Over time, the holiday transformed into what we recognize today—though its origins remain grim.
While modern Valentine’s Day is filled with chocolates and roses, its history is steeped in brutality, sacrifice, and superstition. So, next time you celebrate, remember: love wasn’t always so sweet.
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The Twisted, Dark History Of Valentine’s Day was originally published on newstalkcleveland.com
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