Where did it come from and Why
Happy Valentine's Day! Today, I want to take you on a journey to explore the romantic history behind this special day of love.
As early as 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day; a day commemorating the martyred Saint Valentine. Little is known about him, however it is believed that Valentinus sacrificed his life for love.
While the popular narrative of the day is about a romantic saint, many believe that there is another history to Valentine’s Day that began long ago. Roman mythology holds that the feast of Lupercalia, celebrated from February 13th to the 15th, was an event dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
Sacrifices, Wine & Dating
The feast was celebrated by offering sacrifices, drinking wine, and pairing off men and women in a lottery-like fashion to enjoy the fertility of the coming spring! It's said that matchmaking was also done during this celebration, leading some people to believe that it is the origins of our modern day Valentine’s Day.
Celebrating Love
Whether it is a recognition of St. Valentine’s martyrdom or a ceremony of Roman gods, I think it's safe to say that we can all agree that it's especially nice today to celebrate love with a special someone. Whether it be a romantic evening, a thoughtful gift, or even just a heartfelt card, I hope everyone out there experiences what it's like to be loved on this special day. So don't forget to express your love with someone special and take a moment to appreciate what is truly important in life - having someone to share it with. Happy Valentine's Day!
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