The Brutal Legend of Valentine's Day

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Long before chocolates, roses, and sweethearts, Valentine's Day originated from a dark place of persecution, ceremonies, and execution. Let's run it back to where it all began.

When Love Was Illegal

Imagine yourself during the Roman Empire era, it's 270 AD. Emperor Claudius II is ruling. According to history, there are believed to be three different saints in the Roman Catholic Church named Valentine.

It was during this period of time that Claudius II decided to outlaw marriage because he perceived that single men made better soldiers than married men, severing any emotional ties. One priest, Valentine, opposed this motion and secretly began conducting wedding ceremonies for those who wished to marry.

Once Claudius found out, he was arrested and beheaded for his crimes. St. Valentine became a symbol of love and freedom, a connection that ultimately links him to the modern-day holiday known as Valentine's Day.

"From Your Valentine"

Other legends portray Valentine as someone who helped persecuted Christians escape Roman encampments. This is when the practice of sending letters comes into play, as Valentine would send letters to the prisoners signed "from your Valentine". Roman Emperor Claudius found out and beheaded Valentine for his actions.

They Did WHAT With The Animals?

Further evidence suggests that Valentine's Day has been "Christianized" to replace the ancient Roman pagan festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration. At this celebration, they would sacrifice animals. One of which was a goat, whose pelt was utilized to slap women in the hopes of making them fertile.

While historians debate which tale is true and which is false, it is clear that Valentine's Day did not stem from the celebration of romance but from a dark, rooted, complex history.

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