The History of Valentine’s Day

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The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia.

A priest named Valentine, a romantic at heart, disobeyed Emperor Claudius II’s decree that soldiers remain bachelors. Valentine defied the emperor and secretly performed marriage ceremonies. As a result of his defiance, Valentine was put to death on February 14.

After Valentine’s death, he was named a saint.  Lupercalia was changed from February 15 to February 14 and renamed St. Valentine’s Day to honor Saint Valentine.

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