The Dark Origins of Val’s Day. A Tale of Love, Blood, and Pagan Rituals
Valentine’s Day, now a celebration of love, grand gestures, and overpriced chocolates, has a surprisingly dark past. Before candy hearts and poetic love notes, the day was steeped in blood, mystery, and ancient rituals that would make even the most devoted romantics shudder. Why do we celebrate Val’s Day?
Ancient Rome: Where Love Was Brutal
Long before February 14th became a Hallmark holiday, the Romans were busy celebrating Lupercalia, a festival that took place from February 13 to 15. But this wasn’t your typical romantic gathering. The event involved men sacrificing goats and dogs, stripping the hides off the slain animals, and whipping women with them. Yes, you read that right. Women would actually line up for this, believing the lashes would make them more fertile.
Historian Noel Lenski described the Roman revelers as “drunk” and “naked,” with the festival also featuring a matchmaking lottery where men picked women’s names from a jar. Some of these pairings lasted beyond the festival—others, not so much.
Who Was Valentine, and Why Did He Die?
The Romans may also be responsible for giving Valentine’s Day its name, though it wasn’t out of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men—both named Valentine—on February 14 in different years during the third century. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church, which declared the day St. Valentine’s Day.
From Pagan Revelry to Poetic Romance
As Christianity spread, Pope Gelasius I sought to erase the pagan elements of Lupercalia, blending it with St. Valentine’s Day in the 5th century. The festival continued but became less wild—clothes were put back on, but the theme of love and fertility remained.
By the Middle Ages, poets like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare helped transform Valentine’s Day into a celebration of romantic love. The tradition of exchanging handwritten notes and love letters took hold, and by the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution made mass-produced valentines a booming business.
Val’s Day Today: Love or Commercial Trap?
Fast forward to today, and Valentine’s Day has become a billion-dollar industry. From flowers and chocolates to expensive jewelry and dinner dates, the modern celebration is a far cry from its chaotic Roman origins. While some revel in the romance, others see it as a marketing gimmick—leading to the rise of Singles Awareness Day (SAD) for those who prefer self-love over societal expectations.
So whether you’re planning a grand romantic gesture, embracing singlehood, or simply enjoying discounted chocolates on February 15, remember: the roots of Valentine’s Day are far darker than they appear.