What is the real story of Valentine's Day?
Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the third century. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.
Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14?
A pagan fertility ritual was held in February each year and the Pope abolished this festival and proclaimed 14 February Saint Valentine's Day, thus establishing this feast day on the Catholic Calendar of Saints. The poet Chaucer in the Middle Ages was the first to link St Valentine with romantic love.
Is Valentine's Day a pagan holiday?
Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.
How do we celebrate Valentine's Day?
10 Romantic Ways to Celebrate Valentine's DayEnjoy Valentine's Day Alone. Celebrate being hot and single, and enjoy some time to mingle. ... Express With a Rose. ... A day for Friends, not Lovers. ... Remind Your First Date. ... Make a Romantic Date! ... Sweets for Your Sweet. ... Dress up in Your Finest. ... Make a Homemade Card for Someone.More items...•
What does the Bible say about Valentines?
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Who created Valentine's Day and why?
Pope Gelasius I technically invented Valentine's Day in AD 496 when he established The Feast of Saint Valentine, in memory of the martyred saint who died on that day over 200 years before.
Where did Valentine's Day come from pagan?
The earliest possible origin story of Valentine's Day is the pagan holiday Lupercalia. Occurring for centuries in the middle of February, the holiday celebrates fertility. Men would strip naked and sacrifice a goat and dog.
How was Valentine's Day first celebrated?
From 13 to 15 February, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. Many believe that the origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to this ancient fertility festival. To mark the occasion Roman men sacrificed goats before using their skins to whip women in the belief that this would make them fertile.
Where is Valentine's banned?
IranIran is not the only country where the celebration of Valentine's Day is banned. Lovers have to celebrate it behind closed doors in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan and surprisingly, in Belgorod region of Russia where officials banned it for "going against Russian cultural traditions".
When did Valentine's day start?
February 14, 496 AD (Rome)Valentine's Day / Date of first occurrence
What does the word Valentine mean?
Definition of valentine 1 : a sweetheart chosen or complimented on Valentine's Day. 2a : a gift or greeting sent or given especially to a sweetheart on Valentine's Day especially : a greeting card sent on this day. b : something (such as a movie or piece of writing) expressing uncritical praise or affection : tribute.