Happy Juno Februata and Lupercalia Eve

United Kingdom
February 14, 2017 7:52am CST
Good afternoon everyone. Today is what is known as Valentine's Day or Saint Valentine's Day. The origins of this are unclear although, like a lot of the things we celebrate commercially today, it's roots are pre-Christian. The most likely, and most commonly cited, origins are the Romans celebrations of Juno Februata, Roman goddess of purification, and Lupercalia, in honour of Lupercus, god of fertility and husbandry. There was, it is believed, at least one person called Valentinus who became the Saint Valentine we celebrate today. It is possible that this particular Saint Valentine was actually two or three different people, and he/they are known as St. Valentine of Rome as there are other St. Valentines. Early Christians adopted (or took with them to their new religion of choice) certain rituals and celebrations. In the 5th Century, Pope Gelasius combined St. Valentine's Day with Lupercalia in an attempt to expel pagan rituals. Saint Valentine was beheaded for performing illegal weddings. In 1969, St. Valentine was removed from the General Roman Catholic calendar. This does not mean he is no longer a saint nor that his day can not be celebrated. Personally, I like to celebrate Valentine's Day. Of course, I love my other half every day and we both show each other all the time. This year, I gave him a card with a short poem I wrote for him. I gave him a little teddy bear, some of his favourite sweets, and some underwear. For me, it's an extra day when I have an excuse for me to spoil him or get him things he needs because he doesn't like me to spend money on him. He doesn't bother too much, which is OK. We're going out for dinner with some friends tonight. They are husband and wife. Wife and I arranged it and the menfolk will just do as they're told! :P I don't think we'll be worshipping any gods of fertility, though, Roman or otherwise. We have four children between us plus 2 grandchildren, 3 nieces and 3 nephews! So, do you celebrate St. Valentine's Day, or a version of it? What do you do? Is it a tradition?
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2 responses
@syeow1 (5137)
• India
14 Feb 17
Happy Valentine day..
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
14 Feb 17
Thank you :) :*
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@skysnap (20154)
14 Feb 17
I don't celebrate but it is fun.
1 person likes this
• United Kingdom
14 Feb 17
I haven't always. I know it doesn't mean anything to some, it has negative connotations for others, but it is nice when you can make it fun and have someone with whom to celebrate.
1 person likes this