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Delving into the murky origins of Valentine’s Day

Historians believe that Valentine’s Day is linked to an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, which had erotic themes and rituals, as noted by Noel Lenski, a Yale University historian.
Legend states that Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as the feast day of St. Valentine to end debauchery related to Lupercalia, according to legend.
Elizabeth White Nelson mentions that the connection between Valentine’s Day and love was popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer in 1381, connecting the day with the return of birds selecting their mates.
The modern celebration of Valentine’s Day solidified in England by the late 18th century, and traditions like poetry and hand-made cards spread to the United States, according to Elizabeth White Nelson.

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Cleveland

Delving into the murky origins of Valentine’s Day

Many legends claim to explain the origins of Valentine’s Day, but as is the case with legends, they leave many questions unanswered. Here are a few.

9 days ago·Cleveland, United States

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mg.co.za

Decolonise Valentine’s Day – The Mail & Guardian

In the weeks leading up to 14 February each year, supermarkets and stores start stocking shelves with items associated with romance and the colour red. Flowers are the most popular gift at this time. The global flower industry is estimated to be worth about $50.5 billion. While the values underlying Valentine’s Day may share some common grounds, the legend and its promotion are predominately colonial and Western. Our modern tradition of giving …

9 days ago

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la Nacion

How Valentine’s Day Started: The Origin

As happens every 14th February, Valentine's Day is commemorated today and the date is linked to love and affective ties that unite people and are reinforced on this occasion with some special gesture.Although there are various theories about the origins of this celebration, according to the historical reconstruction of this particular date, it is possible to say that Valentine was a Roman bishop, executed on 14th February, because he refused to …

9 days ago·Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Houston Today

+8 Reposted by 8 other sources

What’s love got to do with it? Delving into the murky origins of Valentine’s Day

Many stories and legends surround Feb. 14 celebration, their truth is hard to verify

10 days ago

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Associated Press News

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Martyrs? Bacchanalia? Chaucer? Delving into the murky origins of Valentine’s Day

Bearing cards, flowers, chocolates and poetry, lovers have always swooned on Valentine’s Day as cherubs circled overhead. Right? Or is the history darker, marked by Roman bacchanalia, martyrs and lies? Innumerable legends claim to explain the origins of Valentine’s Day, but as is the case with legends, they leave many questions unanswered. Here are a few: Where did Valentine’s Day originate? For years, the consensus among historians was that the…

10 days ago·United States

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