The Dark History Behind Valentine’s Day

The day of “love and friendship” is finally here, and while some may hate the day, there are those who look forward to it. Every February 14 is known for love, roses, and heart-shaped cards—but you may be surprised to know that its origins are far from romantic. And just like other well-celebrated holidays, it’s an opportune time for businesses to commercialise the holiday and maximise profits.

But what is the history behind Valentine’s Day? Well, it dates back thousands of years, and its origins are rooted in ancient Roman history and Saint Valentine’s legacy. For centuries, Romans observed “Lupercalia,” a pagan festival that celebrated fertility, until the 5th century when the Catholic Church ended it. The church then established February 14 as the feast day for Saint Valentine, though historians debate if it was a replacement for Lupercalia.

But who was Saint Valentine? Why is he linked to the day of “love?” According to CBS News, Saint Valentine was a Roman priest in the 3rd century who defied Emperor Claudius II. The emperor forbade marriages for young men because he thought that men without family burdens were better soldiers and ensured a strong army. Valentinus secretly married couples, angering the emperor. He was imprisoned and later martyred on February 14. Valentine’s martyrdom for his religion is what strongly resonated with people.

Pope Gelasius I established February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 494, and though removed from the Catholic calendar in 1969, the day remains a global celebration of love. The iconic symbol of love—Cupid—also has ancient Roman roots. The word comes from the Latin word “Cupido” and is both the offspring and helper of Aphrodite or Venus. Cupid embodies desire and the timeless nature of human attraction, CBS News reported.