The Fascinating Christian History of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. Its origins are intertwined with both Christian and ancient Roman traditions. Let's delve into the fascinating history of this romantic holiday:

Pagan Roots

1. The Romans celebrated a holiday on February 14th to honor Juno Fructifier, the Queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. During this festival, women would submit their names to a common box, and men would draw one out. These paired couples would be together for the duration of the festival, and sometimes even for the entire following year. The rituals were designed to promote fertility.
2. On February 15, the Romans celebrated Lupercalia, honoring Faunus, the god of fertility. Men would visit a grotto dedicated to Lupercal, the wolf god, where they would sacrifice a goat, don its skin, and run around hitting women with small whips. This act was believed to enhance fertility.

Christian Influence

1. According to one story, Roman Emperor Claudius II imposed a ban on marriages because too many young men were avoiding the draft by getting married (as only single men had to enter the army). A Christian priest named Valentinus defied this ban and continued performing secret marriages. While awaiting execution, he received love letters from young couples, which some consider the first valentines.
2. Valentinus's execution occurred on February 14th in the year 269 C.E.
3. Another Valentinus, a priest jailed for helping Christians, fell in love with the jailer's daughter. He sent her notes signed "from your Valentine" and was eventually beheaded.

Christianization of Valentine's Day

1. As Christianity spread, the church sought to replace pagan festivals (replacing the pagan god Lupercus) with Christian celebrations. In 469, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day around the 5th century. Some pagan celebrations of love were adapted to reflect Christian beliefs. For instance, instead of pulling girls' names from boxes during the Juno Februata ritual, both boys and girls chose the names of martyred saints from a box.
2. The association with love and romance grew stronger over time. Valentine became a symbol of love, compassion, and defiance against unjust laws. In other words, customs shifted from faith and death to celebrations of love and life.

Sources:

1. Cline, A. (2006, January 24). The Pagan origins of Valentine's Day [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/christian-holiday-pagan-origins-of-valentines-day-250892
2. Avery, D. (2022, February 10). Valentine's Day: The wild, Pagan history behind the romantic holiday [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/culture/valentines-day-2022-history-and-meaning/
3. Combs, S. (2023, February 9). The origins of Valentine’s Day (It wasn’t always about love) [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/saint-st-valentines-day
4. History. (2009, December 22). Valentine's Day 2023: Origins, background & traditions [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
5. Valentine’s Day. (1998, July 20). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Valentines-Day