The holiday of Valentine’s Day did not begin as the celebration of love that we know today. In fact, St. Valentine’s Day may have stemmed from a Pagan festival called Lupercalia, which featured animal sacrifice, physical violence, and ritual “fertility beatings”, where women were literally hit in hopes of bearing more children. This day of horror was celebrated on February 15th and heavily centered on physical practices rather than the more abstract ideas of love and romance we celebrate today.

It is believed that Lupercalia was banned in the 400s by Pope Gelasius, who deemed it “un-Christian” and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day in the year 496. It was moved to February 14th in honor of the multiple Saints named Valentine who were martyred or buried on that date. Mid-February was also believed to mark the start of bird mating season, which was perhaps the dawn of the romantic holiday of Valentine’s Day.

Later on, legendary English author Geoffrey Chaucer became the first person to label St. Valentine’s Day as “romantic” when he wrote his poem “Parliament of Fowls” in approximately 1367.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as the holiday of love and affection. For many, it is a romantic holiday to celebrate with a partner. For others, it’s a day to celebrate love and relationships of all kinds including family, friends, children, and even co-workers. Kids exchange little colorful cards with candy in them at school, adults and teenagers go out to restaurants and movies with friends, and spouses and partners everywhere go out or stay home for romantic evenings alone.

If you’re looking for creative things to make or ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your friends or loved ones, check out my suggestions in 5 Ideas for Your Valentines.