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St. Valentine's Day

It is thought that the origins of Valentine's Day date back to the ancient Roman feast of Lupercalia. The Romans would call upon on of their gods, Lupercus, to keep away the fierce wolves that roamed in the woods nearby. A festival, held in honour of Lupercus, was held on February 15th.

One of the customs associated with the festival took place on the eve of the festival. The names of all the Roman girls were written on pieces of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would then take one piece of paper and the girl whose name was written on the slip would then become his sweetheart for the ensuing year.

The holiday was changed to Valentine's Day after Valentine, a priest in Rome, who was persecuted under the Roman Emperor Claudius II (AD 214-270). Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, the eve of the Roman holiday Lupercalia. After his death, Valentine was canonized and the priests moved the holiday from the 15th February to the 14th - St. Valentine's Day.

Today cards, flowers, chocolates and affectionate rhymes are sent to one's valentine, sometimes anonymously, sometimes not.