Romans celebrated on February 15th the feast of Lupercalia. This spring holiday was held in honor of the god Lupercus, protector of the herd and crops. The people entreated to Lupercus to protect their flocks and keep animals and people healthy and fertile thru singing and dancing. On the eve of this festival, young women would put their names in a ceramic jar and every young man would pick a name. They would be partners in the festivities and dances, oft times they would not need to participate in this particular event the next year.Christian legends believe that Valentine's Day is the Feast of St. Valentine, who was beheaded on February 14th under the orders of Roman Emperor Claudius II. The Emperor believed that if his men remained single his army would be larger. He wouldn't lose men to wanting to stay home with the family. Valentine was arrested and beheaded because he would secretly marry people forbidden to wed. He became known as the patron saint of lovers.
Believing that Valentine's Day exists to celebrate the memory of a saint who valued love and romance, many exchange love notes or Valentines. Others believe that Valentine was later confused with the Norman French word 'galantin' meaning "lover of women". Through the passage of time, the two have merged with the result of St. Valentine being remembered as the patron saint of lovers.
![]()