Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a day for celebrating love and affection. But the history of this holiday is a bit murky, with a mix of Christian and ancient Roman traditions.
Ancient Roman Roots:
- Lupercalia: One of the most prominent theories links Valentine’s Day to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February. This festival involved fertility rituals and may have included pairing off men and women by drawing names from a jar. The name Lupercalia is derived from the Roman fertility God Lupercus. Also from the name of the cave that sheltered Romulus and Remus (The Founders of Rome) where they were raised by a female wolf. The festival was violent and involved the sacrifice of goats and dogs and the whipping of women by semi-naked men. Men and women would then pair up for the festivities and revelry. Some of these relationships continued after the festival and would often result in marriage.
Christian Influence:
- St. Valentine: The holiday is believed to be named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine. There are several legends about St. Valentine, but one common story is that he was a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriages for young soldiers, believing that married men made better warriors. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret and was eventually imprisoned and executed.
- “From Your Valentine”: Another legend says that while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and sent her a letter signed “From Your Valentine,” which is said to be the origin of this phrase.
Evolution of the Holiday:
- Association with Romance: The association of Valentine’s Day with romantic love became more prominent in the Middle Ages. It was believed that birds began their mating season around this time, further connecting the day with love and romance.
- Popularization: The tradition of exchanging love letters and small gifts on Valentine’s Day became popular in England in the 18th century and spread to other parts of the world.
So Why the 14th February?
- The 14th February is in the middle of the festival of Lupercalia. In the 5th Century AD (years 400 to 499) the then Pope Gelasius outlawed Lupercalia. He ordained that the 14th February would mark the martyrdom of St Valentine instead.
Modern Celebrations:
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries with expressions of love, giving gifts like flowers, chocolates, and cards, and romantic dates.
While the exact origins of Valentine’s Day are not entirely clear, it’s a holiday that has evolved over centuries, blending ancient traditions with Christian beliefs and becoming a global celebration of love and affection.
What’s On in and around Kings Lynn, Long Sutton and Wisbech
- The Kings Lynn Mart from 14th – 22nd February 2025 For details: https://townandaround.net/whats-on/2025-02-14-kings-lynn-mart
- Valentines Day Wine Tasting in Spalding https://allevents.in/spalding/valentines-day-wine-tasting/200027713419653
- Brothers-In-Arms Romantic 3-Course Dinner https://brothersinarms.uk/events/christmas-party-night-ms2dy-byjc4
