The History and Evolution of Valentine's Day: From Roman Festivals to Modern Romance
Valentine's Day, celebrated annually on February 14, has roots in ancient Roman traditions and the legend of St. Valentine, evolving into a global celebration of love and affection.
- Valentine's Day traces its origins to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a mid-February celebration marking the arrival of spring and fertility rituals.
- In the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine's Day, transforming it into a Christian feast day.
- The legend of St. Valentine involves a Roman priest executed on February 14 for secretly performing marriages despite Emperor Claudius II's ban.
- By the 14th and 15th centuries, Valentine's Day became associated with courtly love, inspired by the belief that early spring was a time for birds to find their mates.
- Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with romantic gestures, gifts, and expressions of love, symbolized by figures like Cupid and traditions such as Valentine Week.
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