Every year millions of people give and receive Valentines to the ones they love and care for, but do we really know where the ritual began? Many people believe that Valentines Day was deemed to celebrate the death of St. Valentine, a martyr for marriage during the Roman era. Others believe the day was originally celebrated as one of the ancient Roman festivals of Lupercalia. One ritual of Lupercalia took place on February 15.
It was a fertility celebration where the names of all available maidens were placed in a box and drawn out by young men. Each man accepted the maiden whose name he drew as his love for the duration of the festival or sometimes longer. Some pairings resulted in marriages. Around 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius I, moved the celebration to February 14 and declared the day St. Valentines Day. He also made the pagan celebration a Christian feast as the church was trying to alter many of the original pagan rituals celebrated by the Romans. During these times people look at Valentines Day as one that they can share, celebrate and shower the ones they love with appreciation. Valentines Day also showcases the artistic talents of many children as they create homemade Valentines for their classmates, family and friends. I can remember making cards out of construction paper, glue, glitter and whatever else I could find. I looked forward to the look on my mother’s face every year when I gave her my Valentine not to mention the candy given in class that wasn’t that bad either. Valentines Day is truly a day to acknowledge the love and respect we give the people in our lives and enjoy the time we are able to spend with them. As this Valentines Day approaches, take time to shower the ones you love with praise, appreciation, respect and affection. Sometimes the smallest acknowledgment of affection can create the greatest love of your life.