With the sparkle of red roses and boxes of chocolate, it’s easy to forget the deep roots of Valentine’s Day. This celebration dates back to ancient Roman times. This festivity, once dedicated to fertility and the imminent spring, has evolved over the centuries. It has become a universal symbol of romantic love.
The history of Valentine’s Day draws its origins from the mysterious Lupercalia. It was a fertility festival in honor of Faunus, the god of flocks, nature, and fertility. A Roman festival that took place around February 15th. At that time, young Roman men participated in lottery rituals to form temporary couples, often leading to lasting unions or even marriage.
Christianization of the Festival
In the 5th century, the Christian Church sought to Christianize this pagan festival. By associating it with the memory of Saint Valentine, a legendary Roman priest. Tradition tells that Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban by secretly officiating marriages for young lovers. His bravery led to him being imprisoned and executed on February 14th.
Another legend, even more romantic, suggests that Valentine wrote a love letter to the jailer’s daughter, signed “from your Valentine”. This expression is still used today to express love and affection.
In the following centuries, Valentine’s Day evolved into a celebration of romantic love. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that birds started mating on February 14th. This reinforced the idea that this date was auspicious for love and fertility.
Valentine’s Day Today
The tradition of exchanging Valentine’s cards began in the 18th century in England. It quickly spread worldwide. Today, Valentine’s Day is a universally recognized holiday. Couples exchange gifts, gestures of affection, and sweet words to express their love.
As we once again celebrate this day dedicated to love, it is important to remember the roots and ancient traditions. Those that gave birth to Valentine’s Day as we know it today. May this year be an opportunity to celebrate not only romantic love but also the history and legends that shaped this beautiful tradition.
