February 14 On history: The Origin Of Valentine’s Day

Photo illustration (Dallas Reedy / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Valentine's Day has its roots in a Roman festival, Lupercalia. The festival is held in mid-February. At the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I changed Lupercalia to St. Valentine. There are several versions regarding the origin of the name Valentine.

St. Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14th. As reported by Britannica, Lupercalia was held to celebrate the arrival of spring. The festival also includes fertility rites and matchmaking days for men and women by lottery.

Valentine's Day began to be synonymous with romantic things since the 14th century. There are a number of legends regarding the origin of the name Valentine. First, it comes from the name of a priest from Emperor Claudius II Gothicus who was martyred in 270 AD

According to the story, the priest wrote a letter to the daughter of the warden who had recovered from blindness. "From your Valentine", it read.

Another legend explains that the name Valentine came from Saint Valentine of Terni. He is a bishop. However, a number of sources say the two people are actually the same.

In another story, St. Valentine reportedly defied the emperor's orders. He secretly married off a husband and wife to save the husband from war.

Back then, helping Christians was an offense. At that time, Christianity was still considered a heretical religion in Rome. Valentine was arrested. Jailed.

When the Emperor called, Valentine boldly testified and told the Emperor to repent. Valentine was sentenced to death for it.

The Punishment and the start of Valentine's Day

Valentine is stoned before being beheaded outside Flaminia's gates. Another story says, while in prison, Valentine fell in love with the daughter of a prison warden.

He sent a letter on February 14, which in the letter contained an expression of his feelings as well as parting before his execution.

The skull of Santa Valentine is placed in Chiesa, Santa Maria, in Cosmedin, Plaza Bosca Della Verita, Rome. Many couples consider this place a sacred site that tells of the immortality and sacrifice of love.

Valentine's Day began to be celebrated in the 1500s. Then, in the late 1700s, people started using printed cards commercially. The first Valentine cards in the United States (US) were printed in the mid-1800s.