The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to ancient Rome and has evolved over centuries into the celebration of love we know today. Ancient Roman Origins Valentine’s Day is believed to have originated from the Roman festival Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February. Lupercalia was a fertility festival honoring Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. It involved rituals such as sacrificing animals and pairing men and women together through a lottery system. Saint Valentine The name "Valentine" is associated with multiple Christian martyrs, but the most famous story is about Saint Valentine of Rome (3rd century). According to legend, he defied Emperor Claudius II, who had banned soldiers from marrying. Valentine performed secret marriages and was imprisoned. While in jail, he allegedly healed the jailer’s blind daughter and sent her a letter signed "from your Valentine" before his execution on February 14, around 269 AD. Medieval and Renaissance Influence By the Middle Ages, Valentine’s Day became linked to romantic love. The poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about lovebirds finding their mates on Valentine’s Day in his 1382 poem Parliament of Fowls, helping to establish the romantic connection. By the 15th century, people exchanged handwritten love notes, known as "Valentines." Modern Celebrations By the 18th and 19th centuries, the tradition of giving Valentine’s cards, flowers, and gifts grew in popularity, especially in England and the U.S. With the rise of mass production, printed Valentine’s cards became common in the 19th century. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with gifts, chocolates, romantic dinners, and expressions of love.