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Most of us are aware of the concept of Valentine’s Day but are oblivious of its history. Interestingly not much is known about the origin of the feast but the fact that it has pagan roots. There are too many legends and stories associated with the history of this feast. But the one thing that has been established by historians is that the fest was a part of ancient Roman Lupercalia celebrations. It was as far back as Circa 496 that Pope Gelasius declared the day as that of St. Valentine’s Feast. Historians are yet confused about the priest in question because there were three famous St. Valentine’s who lived in that era. And all of them happen to share the same death anniversary i.e. February 14th.
In most likelihood the saint is question was one who invited the wrath of Roman emperor Claudius II. The emperor it seems had forbidden soldiers to marry. In his opinion celibates made stronger fighters. St. Valentine on the other hand arranged clandestine weddings for these men. He apparently was apprehended and imprisoned.
Another popular legend states that Valentine fell in love with the h=jailer’s daughter and sent her a hand made card with the message, “from your valentine!” Though none of the above stories have any basis! The truth is the story of St. Valentine and how the feast came to be remains a mystery. But Valentine’s Day is an important calendar event. Lovers go out of the way to make their special ones feel wanted and cared for!
History of Valentine’s Day
How did Valentine’s Day start? This is a question that historians have been dealing with for quite a while. But most agree with the theory that the feast has its roots in the ancient Roman Lupercalia celebrations. The festivities were brutal and bordered on vulgarity. Men would wear almost nothing and get drunk. It was common to sacrifice goats and skin them. The hides were then used to whip women on the streets. The grotesque ritual was apparently important as women believed it would make them fertile!
Another commonly accepted theory when speaking of Valentine’s Day history is that the day marks the execution of Saint Valentine; a priest who was executed for marrying soldiers on the secret by the emperor Claudius II. Records indicate that there were 3 such Saints who were executed on the same day. Surprisingly all of them had Valentine as first names! This story has been widely accepted and as available historical evidence indicates, it apparently may even be true! The Roman Emperor Claudius came to the conclusion that celibate men were stronger and made better soldiers. Saint Valentine a local priest came out openly and vocally against this unjust law. He started a campaign whereby he’d clandestinely marry soldiers off to their sweethearts. Eventually he was caught, imprisoned and executed. The Church decided to honor his sacrifice and declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day!
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