The secreet origin of Valentine's Day--and February

ESSENTIAL NEWS. February 13, 2025. Florida Weekly

Valentine’s Day is upon us, a holiday with whom we’ve had a long love affair.

How long, you ask?

Its history dates back more than 2,000 years with the founding of Rome. It’s a story of pagan rituals, sacrifice and greeting cards. Throw in some she-wolves and a crazed emperor to boot.

St. Valentine, whom we ostensibly honor on Feb. 14, was a third-century R…