Way back in history, when Rome was in its infancy, there was a society of pagan priests called the Lupercalia. Each year, on February 14, the Luperci priests gathered on the Palantine at the cave of Lupercal (where Romulus and Remus were nurtured by wolves).
Fast forward to 270AD, to the reign of Claudius the Cruel. Claudius, when having some difficulty finding enough willing soldiers to fight his wars, ordered that no marriages should be celebrated and that all engagements should be broken off immediately.
Valentine, a very popular local Roman priest, refused to obey the edict; instead, he carried out ceremonies in secret.
For his disobedience, Valentine was cast into gaol by Claudius, where he died. His huge band of supporters were devastated, vowing never to forget his courage.
Many centuries later, and while the memory of St Valentine was still fresh, the authorities simply slotted in Valentine’s Day into the spot – 14th February – where the Luperci (now extinct) used to celebrate their movement.
Sounds true...?
Sounds good to me Rob
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