Since its establishment in 1911, Wilfrid Laurier University has marked 115 years of Valentine’s Day.
For many, the holiday is a time of love and dedication. For others, Valentine’s Day is met with dread. Despite its modern association with romance, the origins of the holiday are far removed from the familiar sight of heart-shaped chocolates and greeting cards.
Though Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Catholic priest from the third century, historians often trace its beginnings to Lupercalia, an ancient Roman fertility festival. Celebrated annually around mid-February, Lupercalia was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
Though, unlike the modern holiday, Lupercalia was known to be a violent and sexually focused celebration. It involved animal sacrifice and ritual feasting, practices believed to ward off evil spirits, purify the city of Rome, promote health and boost fertility.
The incorporation of pagan holidays into Christian tradition was not unusual. Similar transitions can be seen in the evolution of Yule and Saturnalia into Christmas, Samhain into Halloween, and Eostre or Ostara into Easter.
Over centuries, Valentine’s Day continued to evolve. By the mid-19th century, the holiday gained more widespread popularity, driven by the industrialization in the United States and United Kingdom. Advances in printing and manufacturing allowed for the mass production of greeting cards, transforming Valentine’s Day into a more commercial celebration.
Today, the holiday is commonly associated with romantic dinners, chardonnay, and lavish gifts. However, public attitudes remain mixed. A 2018 Global News survey of 869 Canadian adults in relationships found that 62 per cent viewed Valentine’s Day as “a waste of time and money,” while one in four respondents said they would not be doing anything to celebrate.
Despite this, Valentine’s Day continues to be a time of affection for many couples across the country. It is also increasingly recognized as an opportunity to show appreciation for friends and family.
Though far removed from its pagan beginnings, Valentine’s Day remains an anticipated holiday for many Canadians, bringing a bit of light into the winter season. The Cord wishes all readers a happy Valentine’s Day.
Contributed Graphic/Rytham Sahni
