The Dark Origins of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day has a dark history, originating from ancient Rome. During the Feast of Lupercalia, Roman men would sacrifice goats and whip women with the hides. The purpose behind this tradition is unclear, but it was believed to enhance male fertility. The festival also involved men and women being matched together through a blind date-like system. The name 'Valentine's Day' came from the execution of two men named Valentine on February 14th in the third century, which later led to the Catholic Church honoring them as saints.