It’s finally the season we have all been waiting for: the season of love. February 14, or Valentine’s Day, is a national holiday that celebrates the love and admiration that people have for their friends, family members, and significant others. 

It is said that Valentine’s Day originated in the 6th century from a Pagan festival held each year in Rome. Originally referred to as  Lupercalia, this holiday stemmed from the idea of fertility. 

Men were usually drunk, naked and would sacrifice animals. Then, using the skin of these animals, they would whip women in hopes of increasing fertility. Women were also commanded to line up to be beaten by men stating that this would make them more fertile.

At the end of the celebration, men were able to draw names of women from a jar, which they then spent the night or longer with. 

Although the history of Lupercalia is on the darker side, many believe that Valentine’s Day was never associated with this festival of fertility. 

Other myths state that the holiday of romance originated from Roman priest and physician, St. Valentine. The priest signed a letter stating, “from your Valentine,” to the jailer’s daughter with whom he had befriended and cured of blindness.

Another myth states that when war was flaming in Rome men refused to fight in fear of leaving their wives and children. To solve this issue the emperor banned marriages and engagements. 

According to History.com, the famous St. Valentine would defy the emperor’s orders and marry couples in secret. 

Nevertheless, Valentine’s Day has developed into a celebration of love and affection towards significant others, friends and family members. 

These days, people enjoy spending this holiday splurging on roses, stuffed animals and chocolate for their loved ones. 

What once started out as a dark and disastrous time has evolved into a loving holiday for everyone to celebrate.