St. Valentine

From Goat Sacrifices to Heart-Shaped Chocolates: The Wild History of Valentine's Day!

Ever wondered why we celebrate Cupid's favourite holiday? Join us on a hilarious journey from ancient Roman rituals to the sweet traditions we know today!

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a date drenched in both romantic traditions and surprising history. The roots of this day date back over 2,000 years to ancient Rome where people partook in a festival of love known as Lupercalia. This celebration involved some eyebrow-raising rituals, including naked men running around hitting women with animal hides after sacrificing goats and dogs! In stark contrast to today’s heart-shaped chocolates and romantic dinners, these rituals aimed to promote fertility and match-making. So, before you swipe right on a date, just remember the raucous beginnings of the enthusiasm for love!

But who was Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love? Surprisingly, his story is just as complicated as the holiday he is associated with. The identity of St. Valentine is believed to be a collection of several figures rather than one individual, with each contributing to the legends we now know. Among them was a priest in Rome who was martyred for refusing to renounce Christianity during a time when Roman soldiers were forbidden to marry. His refusal and subsequent execution led to him being celebrated, albeit in a more romanticized manner over time.

As time progressed, the day morphed into a more genteel celebration of love thanks to the likes of Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages, who crafted poetry about courtly love. By the Victorian era, Valentine's cards became all the rage, with people exchanging lacey, handcrafted sentiments rather than engaging in the rather risqué antics of earlier celebrations. Fast-forward to today, and Valentine’s Day has become a commercially driven sensation, celebrated by couples and singles alike, and while some may roll their eyes, others eagerly await the day to indulge in love's sweet embrace.

Interestingly, St. Valentine is not solely recognized as the patron saint of lovers but has ties to those afflicted with epilepsy. This dual identity reflects the complexity of historical figures and their evolving significance in society. And did you know that the Shrine of St. Valentine in Dublin is a hotspot for lovebirds? This Carmelite church has invited couples to pay their respects to the relics of the saint, making it a pilgrimage site for those seeking a sprinkle of divine love. So, as you celebrate Valentine’s Day, spare a thought for its quirky origins and the many facets of this cherished holiday!