From Europe to the United States and Asia, Valentine's Day celebrations continue to involve millions of lovers who exchange greetings and gifts. This holiday, whose origins date back almost two thousand years, takes its name from Saint Valentine of Terni, the patron saint of the Umbrian city, and was established in 496 by Pope Gelasius I.
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The figure of Saint Valentine
Valentine of Terni is venerated as a saint and martyr by the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Churches. Bishop of the Umbrian city from 197 to 273, his memory is celebrated on February 14, the day of his death at the age of 97, when he was beheaded by a Roman soldier on the orders of the Emperor Aurelian.
Origins of the holiday
The tradition of the feast of Saint Valentine dates back to 496 AD when Pope Gelasius I decided to replace the “Lupercalia”, a pagan festival dedicated to the god of fertility, Lupercus. The Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15, included celebrations considered inappropriate by the Church, which is why the Pope chose to dedicate the previous day to Saint Valentine, elevating him to the protector of lovers. This choice led to the spread of the holiday, especially in Italy, France and Great Britain, thanks to the Benedictine monks who guarded the basilica dedicated to him in Terni.
Mystery and legends
The reasons why Valentine's Day is associated with lovers remain shrouded in mystery. According to some versions, the bishop of Terni was executed for performing a marriage between a Christian woman and a pagan Roman legionary. Another legend says that Valentine allowed a poor young woman to marry by giving her a sum of money. The holiday we know today evolved in the Middle Ages, when February 14 was believed to mark the beginning of the mating season for birds. However, the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer played a key role in establishing the tradition of courtly love, associating the holiday with the love between Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia. Although not all experts agree on this interpretation, it has helped make Valentine's Day a central celebration for couples around the world.
Article published on 13 February 2025 - 09:24
Valentine's Day is a celebration that has very ancient origins, but it does not seem to me to be as important as it is described. There are many other celebrations that deserve attention and respect. Furthermore, the history of Valentine's Day is not clear and there are too many legends around him.