What Was Valentine’s Day Originally Called in Rome?

By Michael Ferguson

Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a day of love and romance. However, did you know that this popular holiday has its roots in ancient Rome? In this article, we will explore what Valentine’s Day was originally called in Rome and how it evolved over time.

The Origins of Valentine’s Day in Ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, the festival of love and fertility known as Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13th to 15th. During this festival, young men would draw names of young women from a box, and they would be paired together for the duration of the festival.

Lupercalia: Originally called Lupercalia, this Roman festival was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. The name “Lupercalia” is believed to have derived from “lupus,” meaning wolf. Wolves were highly regarded in ancient Rome as symbols of fertility.

The Evolution into St. Valentine’s Day

Over time, Lupercalia began to change as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. In the 5th century AD, Pope Gelasius I decided to replace Lupercalia with a Christian feast day named after St. Valentine.

The Name Change:

Feast of St. Valentine: The original name “Lupercalia” gradually faded away as the feast day dedicated to St. Valentine gained popularity. This new holiday was officially established on February 14th by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD.

Legend has it that St. Valentine was a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriages for soldiers who were forbidden to marry.

St. Valentine was eventually caught and sentenced to death on February 14th. It is said that he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and wrote her a farewell letter signed “From your Valentine,” giving rise to the tradition of sending love letters on this day.

The Modern Celebration of Valentine’s Day

As time went on, the religious significance of St. Valentine’s Day diminished, and it became more associated with romantic love. In the Middle Ages, courtly love poetry popularized the idea of expressing affection through written messages.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world as a day to express love and appreciation for loved ones. It has become synonymous with heart-shaped chocolates, roses, and greeting cards.

The Influence of Ancient Rome:

While Lupercalia may no longer be celebrated, its influence can still be seen in some Valentine’s Day traditions.

  • Cupid: The Roman god of love, Cupid, often depicted as a cherubic figure with a bow and arrow, has become an iconic symbol associated with Valentine’s Day.
  • Romantic Symbols: The act of exchanging gifts and gestures of affection can be traced back to ancient Rome when lovers would exchange tokens of their affection during Lupercalia.

In Conclusion

In ancient Rome, what we now know as Valentine’s Day was originally called Lupercalia – a festival dedicated to fertility and love. Over time, it transformed into St. Valentine’s Day due to Christian influences. While the name may have changed, the celebration continues today as a day to express love and appreciation for those dear to us.

So this February 14th, remember the ancient origins of Valentine’s Day and share your love with those who hold a special place in your heart!

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