How Valentine's Day went from Rome to Romantic

By The Signal reporter Catherine Hernandez

Valentine's Day is associated with cards, stuffed animals and mushy romance movies, but it didn't start out that way. Take a look at this holiday's journey from strange to sweet.

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On Feb 14, 2019
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Whether you love it or hate it, there's no escaping the sea of hearts, chocolate and roses during February. But where did Valentine's Day come from?

Origins in Lupercalia

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Lupercalia video courtesy of Historia Civilis

Valentine's Day originated with the Roman festival, Lupercalia, on Feb.15.

Creation of St. Valentine's Day

Pope Gelasius I photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In the late 15th century, Pope Gelasius I established St. Valentine's Day as an alternative to Lupercalia, which the church had outlawed.

Who is St. Valentine?

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St. Valentine video courtesy of Catholic Online

Who St. Valentine was, is not clear, though. There are several martyred men named Valentine throughout history, including two executed by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus on Feb. 14. The stories of St. Valentine's life vary as well.

The first Valentine

Charles, Duke of Orleans photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Despite its mysterious origins, the popularity of Valentine's Day increased and in the 1400s, the tradition of written Valentine's Day greetings began. Charles, Duke of Orleans composed a poem to his wife during his imprisonment in the Tower of London. This poem, written in 1415, is the oldest recorded written valentine in history

"Affection" Valentine's Day card by Esther A. Howland, photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

In the 1700s, commercially printed Valentine's Day cards began and in the 1840s, Esther A. Howland sold the first commercially printed Valentines in the United States.

A Hallmark staple

Hallmark Valentine's Day card courtesy of Hallmark

Hallmark Cards Inc. began producing valentines in 1913.

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No Sweethearts Candy This Valentine's Day video courtesy of CBS New York

The history of Valentine's Day continues to the present day. Recently, Spangler Candy Co. announced that its Sweethearts conversation hearts would not be sold this year. However, Brach's Conversation Hearts will still be available.

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Tweet courtesy of @krispykreme

If candy isn't your thing, Krispy Kreme is offering their alternative to conversation hearts candy with conversation doughnuts.

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