Valentine's Day, from ancient Romans to today

by S. C.

Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.

The name of this day turn in St. Valentine Day when Valentine, priest in Rome, suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February, about the year 270.
He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

by S. C.
12 February 2009 Teatro Naturale International n. 1 Year 1

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