When Pope Gelasius came to power in the late fifth century he put an end to Lupercalia. Lupercalia was popular and one of the few pagan holidays still celebrated 150 years after Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire. Young boys would then take strips of hide from the sacrificed animals and use it to whip young women, to promote fertility. Men would strip naked and sacrifice a goat and dog. Occurring for centuries in the middle of February, the holiday celebrates fertility. The earliest possible origin story of Valentine’s Day is the pagan holiday Lupercalia. Was Valentine’s Day inspired by a party, an execution, or a poem? Historians aren’t sure. Here's what we actually know about Valentine's Day.
Not only does this holiday have competing origin stories, but there are at least two different saints who might be its namesake. However, much about how the holiday came to be remains a mystery, details lost to time and transformed as romantics retold history.
The handwritten cards, chocolate hearts, and red roses are all staples of the annual tradition, recognized easily at any convenience store. Much about Valentine’s Day is well known. On February 14, more than any other day of the year, romantic couples shower their better half with gifts and tokens of appreciation.