The origins of Valentines Day can be traced back many centuries, to ancient Rome.
It is said this date was first dedicated to the Roman god of fertility, known as Lupercus. During the February festival which many looked forward to, couples were drawn in a lottery type manner and became partners.
With the rise of Christianity, the pagan festival of Lupercalia transformed into a much more romantic focus. The legends suggest this was in honour of a Christian martyr named Valentine. Marriages of young men were being banned. Roman Emperor Claudius II believed single men made much better soldiers. He feared if they had a family at home, they may be reluctant to leave their family and go to war. But in the name of love St. Valentine found a way to marry the young couples in secret.
When his actions were discovered, he was imprisoned and eventually executed on February 14th.
The martyrs, later known as St. Valentine, became associated with the idea of true love and devotion.
Valentines Day evolved over the years, to what we all know and love as a fun way to show and express our love especially on this upcoming holiday.
