February 14 is the one day of the year we celebrate our love for each other (although we’re supposed to do this everyday). You may know this day as Valentine’s Day!

In the beginning…

Although there are many legends of Valentine’s Day, one speaks of a Roman priest named Valentine. Under the king’s rule, marriage was outlawed, also due to the fact that the king thought single men worked better than married men. Valentine didn’t agree with this, so he secretly performed weddings for young people. He was soon sentenced to death when King Claudius found out.

Others speak of another man named Saint Valentine of Terni, this time a bishop, but he was also sentenced to death by the king. Some may even say Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape cruel prisons in Rome, while others say he actually sent the first valentine to his crush while he was imprisoned. It is said, when he ended the letter, he wrote “From your Valentine”.

In the Middle Ages…

Some people believe we celebrate this holiday in honor of Valentine’s death, but most thought the Christian church decided to host a feast to Christianize the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. This was a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture and the Roman founders, Romulus and Remus.

Soon after Christianity rose and Lupercalia became outlawed, Pope Gelasius named the holiday St. Valentine’s Day. This is the time when the holiday became associated to love and romance. It wasn’t until 1400 that valentines began to actually be written.

Cupid

You may recognize this name as a little angel who shoots love arrows. Nobody really knew who his parents were though. In Greek religion, he was known as Eros. Eros was an immortal, being known for his handsome looks. He played with the emotions of men, even Gods, using his golden arrows. Once the Hellenistic period, he became known as the chubby little child you see today.

For more information, you can always visit https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2