The Original Valentine’s Day Was Soaked in Blood and Violence
Exploring the roots of Valentine’s Day.
What is your plan for Valentine’s Day?
A great Valentine’s Day includes chocolates, flowers, elegant restaurants, or a stroll around the park. It is ironic, though, that we may trace the origins of this sweet day to violence and gore.
Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday did not gain popularity until the 14th century. The Lutheran and Anglican churches choose to observe this day in honor of St. Valentine, whilst the Orthodox Church recognizes July 6th as the day of love.
Who exactly was St. Valentine?
There have been several saints identified as St. Valentine throughout history. They have their own legends and beliefs. The most well-known was a bishop, named Valentinus or Valentine, who lived during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II (268 to 270 AD).
Valentine was also the patron saint of epileptics and beekeepers. He disobeyed the Emperor’s commands to marry couples, according to folklore. Let us learn about the legendary bishop on whose memory we celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Before we get into the story of St. Valentine, it’s important to talk about the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which took place on February 15th…
