How did Valentine Day started?

Answer 1

The current concept of it is a plot by card manufacturers to take over the world.

The origin of it, though, dates back roughly 4-5000 years (possibly further) to a pagan fertility festival in which offerings of flowers and fruit were made to the earth-mother (Gaea in Greek mythology). The festival began at (as the pagans saw it) the end of winter which signified a rebirth of the land - on what would now be around February 13-16 and lasted for 11-30 days (archaeologists are unsure about the exact number). There is speculation among some archaeologists that Stonehenge was used as a temple to the earth mother (Gaea), although the theory is not a popular one.

There was also a pre-christian Roman festival, around the same time of year, where boys drew the names of girls, in honour of the sex and fertility goddess, Februata Juno.

As with most other concepts of christianity, the early christians "borrowed" the festival and integrated it into their religion. In the 3rd century, there was indeed a priest of Pope Julius I, named Valentine, who was martyred (beheaded), around February 14, because he continued to marry young couples, in spite of an edict from Emperor Claudius II Gothicus forbidding such marriage. Valentine was canonized in the 5th century - February 14, 496.

Answer 2

There are varying opinions about the actual origins of Valentine's Day. Some experts say it started when the Roman emperor Claudius II had a difficult time recruiting men into his army. He believed it was because men wanted to stay home with their loves and their wives. To solve the problem, he decided to outlaw marriage for all young single men. However, there was a Roman priest named Valentine who did not agree and wed couples in secret. He was eventually discovered, thrown in prison and sentenced to death on February the 14th. Legend says that he had befriended the young blind daughter of his jailer and that on the day of his execution, he sent a note to his young friend signing it, "From your Valentine." Some take the story further and say that when the young girl opened the note, a yellow crocus flower fell into her hand and for the first time in her life she saw brilliant color and could see.

For other origins, we can go back to an early Pagan festival of fertility as early as the fourth century BC. February 15th was set aside for the Roman feast of Lupercalia, a celebration of Spring and fertility in honor of Lupercus, the Roman god who was believed to be the protector of shepherds and flocks. Animals were sacrificed, feasts were held and it is believed that young women wrote love letters and left them in a large urn. Young men would then draw a note from the urn and pin it to their sleeves (hence the saying "wearing his heart on his sleeve"). Once the young man found the woman who wrote the note, the couple would be intimately joined until the next Lupercalia. We are told that women did have a choice in the matter and could indeed say no to a would-be lover.

Where do Cupid and that famous symbol of the bow and arrow come from? Well, apparently there is no link but the Cherub, actual name Eros, fits in so well with the story that he has become the accepted St. Valentine's Day mascot.

Answer 3

Valentine's Day is actually named after a christian named St. Valentine some centuries ago. And that's about all I know about it.

Answer 4

try wikipedia or the history channel website for the complete story

Answer 5

SAINT VALENTINE GAVE ALL YOUNG LOVERS THE GREEN LIGHT.

Answer 6

its wat u call a "greeting card" holiday... it was pretty much made up to help the greeding card industry and help candy and flower sales... i hate valentines day... :P

Answer 7

like most things and holidays someone had to die

Answer 8

someone in the cave days had to be romantic!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

adam?
hello, anyone home?