A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day

Roadcruiser1

My myTake for the St. Valentines Day Contest: A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day.


Since people are interested in just posting random things I thought I would post something Historical about Valentine's Day instead since I am a History Buff.


A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day


Saint Valentines Day is a holiday that goes all the way back to the days of the Roman Empire. It was celebrated originally to honor a person who either ignored a decree from the Emperor to not perform marriages to Roman Soldiers, because the Emperor believed single Soldiers were the best Soldiers, or that he was a person that helped persecuted Christians escape Rome. When he was caught he fell in love with his Jailors Daughter, and his last message on Earth was a love letter for her.


A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day


Other people believe that was the Christianization of the Pagan Roman Holiday that was called Lupercalia that was celebrated at the Ides of February, or February 15 with the Pagan Holiday Lupercalia beling a Fertility Festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman God of Agriculture, as well as to the Roman Founders Romulus, and Remus.


A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day


To begin the Festival, members of the Luperci, an Order of Roman Priests, would gather at a Sacred Cave where the Infants Romulus, and Remus, the Founders of Rome were believed to have been cared for by a she wolf or lupa. The Priests would sacrifice a goat for fertility, and a dog for purification. They would then strip the goat's hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both Women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman Women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more Fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young Women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The City’s Bachelors would each choose a name, and become paired for the year with his chosen Woman. These matches often ended in Marriage.


A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day


Regardless of its origins the holiday continues to celebrate the idea of romance even though the Holiday has been commercialized to an extent beyond control.


A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day


https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day


A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day

A History of the True Meaning of Valentines Day
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