The Dark Origins of Valentine's Day; From Ancient Rituals to Modern Romance
Valentine’s Day, celebrated globally as a day of love and romance, has a surprisingly dark and violent history rooted in ancient Roman traditions. The holiday traces its origins to the feast of Lupercalia, a pagan festival held from February 13 to 15. During this festival, men would sacrifice goats and dogs, then use the hides of the animals to whip women, believing it would increase fertility. Women willingly participated, hoping the ritual would bless them with fertility in the coming year. Afterward, a matchmaking lottery paired men and women for the duration of the festival, and sometimes longer.
The Catholic Church sought to Christianize the pagan festival in the fifth century by combining it with St. Valentine’s Day, named after one or more martyred saints named Valentine. Legends surrounding Saint Valentine include a Roman priest who secretly married couples against Emperor Claudius II’s orders and a bishop who was executed for defying the emperor. Another enduring tale involves an imprisoned Saint Valentine sending a love letter signed “From your Valentine,” which inspired the romantic tradition of exchanging notes.
Over time, the holiday evolved into a celebration of love, thanks in part to medieval poets like Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare, who romanticized the day in their works. By the 15th century, exchanging handwritten Valentine’s Day cards became popular in Europe. The holiday’s commercialization began in the early 20th century when Hallmark started mass-producing Valentine’s Day cards, cementing its association with romance and gift-giving.
While modern Valentine’s Day is marked by chocolates, flowers, and romantic gestures, its ancient roots reveal a stark contrast—a festival of fertility rituals, animal sacrifices, and violent traditions. Today, the darker aspects of its history have largely faded, leaving behind a day dedicated to celebrating love in all its forms.
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