What is the origin of Valentine's Day?

There are several theories about the origin of this day that is celebrated worldwide, the most concrete theory, is that it comes from a pagan celebration of ancient Rome.

It was a tradition to celebrate the Lupercalia that included fertility rituals. It was not until the year 496 AD that Pope Gelasius I changed the meaning of this celebration and established February 14 as Valentine's Day.

Shrine of St. Valentine in Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, Ireland. Wikipedia Commons

But who was Valentine?

Valentine was a priest who challenged the Roman emperor Claudius II; he prohibited marriages to young soldiers. According to him this celebration was incompatible with the career of arms.

The priest considered this unfair and married them secretly. In the year 270 AD, the acts of Valentine were revealed for marrying couples in secret. He was beheaded on February 14.

From the fifteenth century onward, it was a common custom to write poems known as Valentines amongst lovers and friends. In the nineteenth century Britain witnessed mass manufacturing of generic Valentine's cards.

Nowadays it is a regular custom to give away chocolates, stuffed animals and roses.

Do not forget to share so that others know more about this wonderful day!