Many people see Valentine’s Day as a sweet, loving holiday to celebrate your love for your significant other as well as all the people around you. But did you know that maybe it does not originate from anything of that sort. And while that is what Valentine’s Day has evolved into, the romantic holiday hasn’t always been so sweet. The exact history of Valentine’s Day is a bit murky, but some historians believe the holiday is linked to Lupercalia, a festival that was held annually between Feb. 13 and Feb. 15 in ancient Rome. It is believed that Valentine’s Day has its origin when the feast of Lupercalia was celebrated from 13 February to 15 February. A goat and a dog were sacrificed by men on these days and women were whipped with the hides of the sacrificed animals as it was believed that this would make them fertile. So how in the world have we turned the Valentine’s Day tradition into what it is today. The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. The history of Valentine’s Day compared to now, is relatively shocking. Back then, Valentine’s seemed to have a darker meaning. But now, when we think about Valentine’s Day we think about chocolates, love, candy, and all of that stereotypical mess. It seems that history always has a darker meaning to things, thats something to think about.