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July 05, 2008
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Valentine’s Day History
Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated on February 14 as a day for lovers, originated as a Roman Catholic Church feast day to honor Saint Valentine. Exactly who Saint Valentine was is a matter of speculation as three different Saint Valentines are noted in early Church history as martyrs.
In 496 Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as the feast day to honor Saint Valentine. It is possible that the feast day may have been created to counter the Roman holiday of Lupercalia. Lupercalia, in honor of the fertility god Lupercus, was celebrated on February 15. On this day the names of young women were placed in a container and young men would randomly draw a name for the container. These couples were expected to remain together at least until the next Lupercalia. The proximity of the dates eventually led to the association of matchmaking with Saint Valentine’s Day.
By the Middle Ages Valentine’s Day had become associated with romantic love in England and Scotland. The holiday was probably brought to America by British settlers.
Today Valentine’s Day is not just a day for lovers, but is also a day to remember loved ones and friends. People send valentine cards and give gifts of candy or flowers to show their feelings. Primary school age children make fancy valentine boxes to hold the valentines they exchange with their classmates.
Whatever the origin of the holiday, Valentine’s Day has become the day to let someone know that you care about them.
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