According to ancient Greek mythology, the red rose was created by Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The story goes that when her son Eros (also known as Cupid) was pricking people with his arrows of love, one accidentally scratched Aphrodite and she bled. Her blood fell onto a white rose and stained it red. Since then, the red rose has been associated with love and desire.
Related media: HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY: A PAGAN HOLIDAY
Whence Cometh Red On Valentine?
The color red has also been associated with Valentine since the early days of Christianity. One theory is that it comes from Saint Valentine himself. In Catholicism, Saint Valentine is the patron saint of lovers. He was known for performing secret marriages for young lovers during a time when marriage was forbidden by the Roman Empire.
Because he defied the emperor’s rules, he was put to death on February 14. After his death, people started wearing red roses in honor of Saint Valentine as a symbol of their own defiance against unjust rules and regulations.
Red has also been linked to passion and danger, which may be why it’s such a popular color for Valentine’s Day. It’s seen as a bold color, one that shows you’re not afraid to take risks in your quest for love. So if you’re feeling daring this Valentine’s Day, go ahead and wear something red!
If It’s Not Red, It’s Not Love
Valentine’s Day is a special day to celebrate love and affection. The history of Valentine’s Day dates back to the ancient Roman Empire when it was a pagan festival called Lupercalia. The festival was celebrated to honor the god Faunus, who was the god of fertility.
During the festival, men would strip naked and sacrifice goats and dogs. Then they would run around the city whipping women with the hide of the animals they had just sacrificed. This was done in hopes that it would make them more fertile.
At some point during the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as Saint Valentine’s day. It is not exactly clear why he chose this date, but one theory is that he was trying to Christianize the pagan festival of Lupercalia. Another theory is that Gelasius I simply wanted to honor Saint Valentine, who was a martyr for love.
It’s Valentine Today
In modern times, Valentine’s Day is celebrated by exchanging cards and gifts with loved ones. It is a day to celebrate your loved ones and show them how much you care about them and has also become a popular day for couples to get married or engaged.
Many people see Valentine’s Day as a commercial holiday created by greeting card companies and chocolate manufacturers, but it still remains a special day for many people around the world who use it as an opportunity to express their love for one another.
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Written by: Dorothy Efua Dadzie, Mon, Feb 13, 2023.
Why did they stop whipping women unprovoked. Why stop such a beautiful tradition 😭😭😂
Go and continue for them😹
I now get it ✌️