Valentine’s Day, Romantic Day With Dark Pagan Roots?

When Valentine’s comes to day which type of love comes to mind? Eros type of love
which is romantic. Primarily as human beings with emotions, feelings and expectations or none
at all, this has become a significant day in our annual calendar. Ads on T.V. and online seem to
be selling services to aid the success or mood of this day. Movies on Showmax, Netflix and
other sources seem to queue romantic type of movies. Meme’s on fictional Men’s conference
that always coincides with this romantic day to give men a sense of escape from the
expectations and expenses that come with this day. Be it emotionally, financially or
psychologically.

What is the origin of valentine’s day? It was formerly the feast of Lupercalia in ancient
Rome celebrated from 13th February to 15th February. It involved bloody, violent and sexually
charged celebrations with animal sacrifice to “ward off” evil spirits and infertility. Random
couples were also matched together during this time. Saint Valentine was a priest who existed
in the reign of Claudius II, the Roman Emperor, who had committed to many wars and fell short
of soldiers. Saint Valentine secretly married off young men so as to prevent them from being
enrolled in the army for war and this saw the Emperor order him killed in mid February 270 A.D.
When Rome later adopted Catholic as their core religion, this festival, Lupercalia, was turned
into St Valentine’s to honor the death of the priest and celebrate couples.
Centuries later we still celebrate Valentine’s Day and the scale of its reach has made it
an annual day that is longed for to appreciate loved ones. Somehow, some what the meaning
of love has been diluted. What is love, better yet what is true love? While this word has been
diluted by the pop culture in songs and movies for lustful desires and romantic escapades that
sometimes only come off as experimental or one night stand. Some couples have held on to
what love truly means, more so, when it comes to Christian dating and those in marriages.
Love is not lust, and lust is not love. Roses are great but they whither in a few days. What is
more special is unending.
Love is an intense feeling of deep affection that goes for a while, be it a lifetime or
momentarily. Lust is a strong sexual desire in someone. When expressing pure genuine love it
is important as Christians to maintain Godliness in all our thoughts and actions. Romans 12:2

talks about not being conformed unto the world but being renewed in our minds that we may
prove that which is good and acceptable, perfect will of God.
Can something with a dark past be turned and used for good? Certainly, it can. If Saul
was converted into Paul after his encounter with Christ, having persecuted Christians, then a
day’s origin can be turned for a greater purpose that is Godly and appreciative of fellow
mankind. For couples all over the world, everyday should be special and a gift to appreciate
your special someone, whether it is eros ( romantic love) or storge ( family love).