情人節的黑暗起源與浪漫演變
情人節，全球慶祝為愛與浪漫的日子，其歷史卻源於古羅馬的傳統，充滿了黑暗與暴力。這個節日的起源可以追溯到牧神節（Lupercalia），這是一個從2月13日至15日舉行的異教節日。在這個節日期間，男人會宰殺山羊和狗，然後用動物的皮鞭打女人，相信這樣可以增加生育能力。女人們自願參與，希望這個儀式能在來年賜予她們生育的祝福。之後，一個配對抽籤活動會將男人和女人配對，持續整個節日，有時甚至更長。
天主教會在五世紀時試圖將這個異教節日基督教化，將其與聖瓦倫丁節結合，這個節日以一位或多位名為瓦倫丁的殉道聖人命名。關於聖瓦倫丁的傳說包括一位違抗克勞狄烏斯二世皇帝命令秘密為情侶舉行婚禮的羅馬神父，以及一位因違抗皇帝而被處決的主教。另一個流傳已久的故事涉及一位被囚禁的聖瓦倫丁，他送出了一封署名為「來自你的瓦倫丁」的情書，這啟發了交換情書的浪漫傳統。
隨著時間的推移，這個節日逐漸演變為慶祝愛情的日子，部分歸功於中世紀詩人如喬叟和莎士比亞，他們在作品中將這一天浪漫化。到了15世紀，交換手寫情人節卡片在歐洲變得流行。這個節日的商業化始於20世紀初，當時賀曼公司開始大量生產情人節卡片，鞏固了其與浪漫和送禮的關聯。
雖然現代情人節以巧克力、鮮花和浪漫舉動為標誌，但其古老的根源揭示了一個截然不同的對比——一個充滿生育儀式、動物犧牲和暴力傳統的節日。如今，其歷史中的黑暗面已大多消失，留下了一個專注於慶祝各種形式的愛的日子。
Dark origins of Valentine's Day: Naked men sacrificing animals, hitting women with hides
In the original festival, men would sacrifice a goat and a dog, then run around naked or nearly naked, hitting women with the animals' hides.
www.statesman.com
Why Is Valentine’s Day Celebrated? The Dark Truth About This Holiday Might Surprise You
Its (surprisingly bloody) roots date back to ancient Rome.
www.bestproducts.com
Dark truth about Valentine's Day - from whippings to animal sacrifices
Valentine's Day is celebrated by couples around the world, but the romantic holiday has a dark and violent past
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
This Valentine's Day, celebrate with an unsung hero and a true taste of home: Gravy
It's so much more than just something tan or brown to fill [your] elongated, boat shaped serving pieces
www.salon.com
The Real History of Valentine’s Day Will Definitely Surprise You
It wasn't all so lovey-dovey in the beginning.
www.countryliving.com
The True Origin of Valentine’s Day Isn't All Flowers and Chocolates
It's not the love story you'd expect. 😳
www.thepioneerwoman.com
A love story written in blood: The dark origins of Valentine’s Day
Everyone loves a good love story, but Valentine’s Day wasn’t always about hearts and roses
www.maltatoday.com.mt
Azmatullah Omarzai Creates History, Becomes First Player In The World After 27 Years To...
Azmatullah Omarzai etched his name in the record books during the 2025 Champions Trophy clash between Afghanistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium
www.timesnownews.com