The Rest Is History 151. Valentine's Day
Feb 14, 2022
Explore the intriguing origins of Valentine's Day, tracing back to ancient Roman festivals and Victorian customs. Discover the brutal history of 'Vinegar Valentines' and their sharp humor. Delve into the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre and its ties to organized crime, including Al Capone. Laugh at the curious connections between love and violence throughout history. This engaging discussion reveals how societal changes shaped this romantic holiday and the evolution of greeting cards that sparked modern expressions of love.
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Holland's Valentine's Day
- Tom Holland's wife dislikes commercialized sentimentality, so he avoids traditional Valentine's Day gestures.
- However, he plans to take her out on Valentine's Day, defying her usual expectations.
Multiple St. Valentines
- Multiple St. Valentines exist in history, making it difficult to pinpoint the true origin of Valentine's Day.
- The Roman martyrology lists a St. Valentine martyred on the Via Flaminia, but another Valentine was the Bishop of Terni.
Lupercalia Rituals
- The Lupercalia, a Roman festival in mid-February, involved sacrificing goats and a dog, smearing blood, and whipping women.
- This ritual, meant to prevent stillbirths, occurred around the Palatine Hill and involved men in thongs.
