Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! We see Valentine’s Day as a day to spend with the people we love but the real meaning behind this holiday goes far beyond just that. The real origin of this day is still open for debate; some around the world believe it is the time to commemorate St. Valentine’s death and others think that the Christian Church set St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. This was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus and other Roman founders.

Regardless of its origins, many nowadays see Valentine’s Day as a celebration of love. This particular connection with love started during the middle ages in France and England.  February was the beginning of bird mating season, therefore, the French and British believed it was more appropriate to simply celebrate love. By the middle of the 18th century, it was more common for friends and lovers to exchange special tokens or handwritten notes. The precise meaning behind this holiday is still not fully known and although many different interpretations exist, the overall meaning of this day is indeed to spread love to and appreciate those in your life.