Related Links: History of Valentine's Day
By Zachary M. RaimiBehind the bouquet of red roses and the Hallmark cards that traditionally represent St. Valentine's Day lies a complex and confusing history.
For centuries, scholars have debated three theories of how the holiday was conceived. Two date to antiquity, while the third has roots in the Middle Ages.
The first of the ancient Roman myths involves the festival of Lupercalia, celebrated Feb. 15. Young men, called "Luperci," drew the name of a woman from a vase, and the two would be paired throughout the festivities, which included dancing and game-playing. In addition, men would traditionally whip women with goat-skin thongs called "februa" because they thought it would increase fertility and ease child-bearing.
After the Romans conquered France, the Lupercalian festival was expanded and people began distributing the first Valentine-like cards.
Another Roman tradition surrounds not one, but two Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Although the historical record is sketchy, it appears that one of the saints was executed by Emperor Claudius II for conducting forbidden marriages during a time of war. It was thought at the time that single men made better soldiers.
Very little is known about the second Saint Valentine, except that he was bishop of Terni in Italy. Early Christian history commemorates both Feb. 14, the date they were each executed.
In medieval times, people believed that birds began to mate Feb. 14. In this spirit, lovers began sending cards and gifts to one another.