![]() ![]() He's the charming cherub that appears on Valentine's Day cards, often depicted with a bow and arrow - but how did Cupid become a common symbol of Valentine's Day? According to Time, the figure can actually be traced all the way back to 700 B.C., to the Greek god of love named Eros, who was actually a handsome, immortal man with the intimidating power to make people fall in love. Valentine's Day." It wasn't until until the Middle Ages, though, that the holiday became associated with love and romance, a tradition that first started from the common belief in France and England that birds started their mating season on February 14.ĭavid Pollack // Getty Images 4. ![]() In the 1300s, it officially became a holiday associated with love.Īt the end of the 5th century, Roman Pope Gelasius officially declared the date of February 14 "St. ![]() Dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Roman founders Romulus and Remus, the day was celebrated by sacrificing animals and smacking women with animal hides, a practice that was believed to encourage fertility. Valentine on February 14, others believe that the holiday actually has its origins in a Pagan fertility festival called "Lupercalia," which was celebrated on February 15 in ancient Rome. Though some historians believe that Valentine's Day commemorates the death of St. Valentine's Day has its roots in an ancient Pagan festival. As the story goes, this Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriage (he thought it distracted young soldiers), illegally marrying couples in the spirit of love until he was caught and sentenced to death.Īnother legend suggests that Valentine was killed for attempting to help Christians escape prison in Rome, and that he actually sent the first "valentine" message himself while imprisoned, writing a letter signed "From your Valentine."įototeca Storica Nazionale. According to, there are at least two men named Valentine that could've inspired the holiday, including one Valentine who was a priest in third century Rome. Valentine the holiday technically honors. Valentine - but there's actually some confusion surrounding which St. You may already know that Valentine's Day was named after its patron saint, St. Regardless of how much or how little you already know about the most loving day of the year, these factoids are sure to come in handy as an ice breaker for your Valentine’s Day party and will definitely give you the upper hand at any Galentine’s Day trivia night. (We know, the complete opposite of a lovey-dovey grand gesture.) In fact, some of the earlier customs associated with the holiday were not romantic at all, but instead focused on fertility and included sacrificing animals. While some of these little-known truths about the holiday may be sort of expected, like how much Americans spend on the perfect V-Day gift or when the very first Valentine's message was sent, others are more unusual. But have you ever stopped to think about how this tradition of celebrating love on February 14 came to be? Look no further than our list of interesting and fun Valentine’s Day facts to inform you and your loved ones on the history behind why this special day of love is celebrated. When you start to think of Valentine’s Day, you may envision gorgeous flower bouquets, heart shaped balloons, tons of sweet treats and sentimental cards that are sure to make you blush. ![]()
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