In the modern age, Valentine’s day is a day filled with romance and love. Every February 14th, people present presents to each other, spend intimate time together, and even confess their love. Quite in contrast, the history of this holiday is actually cruel, bloody and dark. It goes back as far as ancient Rome.
Lupercalia
Although it wasn't called Valentine’s day at this point in history, the Roman festival “Lupercalia” would span from February 13 to the 15. The Luperci (“Brothers of the Wolf”) would sacrifice a goat and dog. They would then proceed to dress themselves in the the skin of the slain goats, and whip woman with the animal hides. Romantic?
the priest
Later, in the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I made February 14th St. Valentine’s day in order to suppress the Lupercalia rituals. In the Third Century, the Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriage as he held the belief, much contrast to most of Rome, that unmarried soldiers would fight better than married ones. A priest called Valentinus disagreed with the prohibition of marriage and began performing marriages in secret. The priest was detained and eventually beheaded by the Roman Empire on February 14th. St. Valentine became a christian martyr. Valentinus was put to death because of his love of god and marriage.
Today
Nowadays, although its not an official holiday it is celebrated in most first-world countries. So because of the conviction of a god-loving priest, people celebrate Valentine’s day every February 14th.