Origin of Valetines

Growing up Valentine's Day was known as a special day for lovers to show how much they love each other. However, some don't know the dark origin of the festival with candy and why it's unknown. Valentine's Day is originated from the festival that celebrated the homicide of Christian martyrs. Which came along with other traditions that fit the description of being dark as well and evidence that shows what happened.

During the time of February 13-15, Romans were physically abusing women. This was one of the traditions that came with the Lupercalia festival. The author states, "The men sacrificed a goat and a dog then whipped women with the hides of the animals that were slain"(Seipel). Romans were known for being crazy while having even crazier traditions. This analyzes that the Lupercalia festival isn't as peaceful as one may have thought. Romans would drink during the festival which made it even worse. Also, women would "Line up for the men to hit them. They believed this would make them fertile"(Seipel). Not only does that sound idiotic, but it also verifies how dark the festival truly was. Buckle up because if you thought that was the only inhumane thing they did during the festival; then you're up for a ride.

Did you know that Valentine's Day was named after a Saint named Valentine? Well did you also know that he was a martyr? St. Valentine's decapitation and other martyrs was the original reason for the festival and why it was celebrated. Pamela Haag states, "There was no link between St. Valentine and love until the 14th century". It was a truly gory day that shouldn't have been celebrated. Thankfully, the holiday grew more towards love than the gore and brutality it initially was.

Thus, it makes you wonder what would've happened if Valentine's day wasn't lovey-dovey. It started as a crapfest but ended up a beautiful tradition that represents love.

Sources

“The Dark Origins Of Valentine’s Day.” NPR.Org, https://www.npr.org/2011/02/14/133693152/the-dark-origins-of-valentines-day. Accessed 16 Feb. 2020.

“The Gory Origins of Valentine’s Day.” Smithsonian Magazine, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/gory-origins-valentines-day-180968156/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2020.