Valentines day is now widely known as a commercial holiday recognized for it’s boxes of chocolates, gift giving, and proclamation’s of love. But the holidays origins actually date back hundreds of years.

The origins are deeply rooted in the Roman Festival: Lupercalia. This festival celebrated the beginning of spring, and included fertility rites and auctions for the hand of a women. Towards the end of the 5th century the Pope at at  the time replaced Lupercalia wit St. Valentine’s Day. It became known as a day of romance celebrated globally from then on.

The names origins are thought to have come from a priest who  was martyred in 270 CE by the emperor at the time. Accounts state that the priest signed a letter with, “from your Valentine” to the daughter of the man who imprisoned him. Rumors say he actually had healed her of blindness.

Other accounts say the name comes from St. Valentine of Terni, but there is a possibility the two were the same person. St. Valentine of Terni defied the emperors rules and married couples in secret to ensure their husbands would not be forced to go to war. This is why the day is the day of love.

What we know as Valentines began rising to popularity in the 1500’s and 1700’s were printed and sold in stores across the world. Valentines include things like cupid, hearts, doves, and other signs of love. Chocolates, flowers, and and other gifts become common forms of declarations of love on that day. That’s all you need to know about the history of Valentines Day.