February 14 is recognized as the day of love. We all know this and want that special person to be called our valentine. So how has Valentine’s Day changed? While the true history of Valentine’s Day has remained a mystery , their are many myths and legends that have sprouted through the years. One thing we do know is that February is known as the month of romance.  Valentine’s Day is also known to have both Christian and ancient Roman background. 

One ancient legends states that Valentine was a priest during the rule of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius decided that he wanted to outlaw all marriage to young men because they made better soldiers than husbands. Because of this, Valentine decided he would secretly perform marriages for young couples. When Claudius discovered the actions of Valentine, he had him executed. Thus making February 14 the celebration of his death.

“Receiving gifts from someone because they care about you is nice,” Abrianna Hernandez said.

Many people also believe that Valentine’s Day celebrates the Pagan Festival Lupercalia. Lupercalia was known as the fertility festival, which celebrated Faunus, Roman god of agriculture. Some think that placing St. Valentine in the middle of Lupercalia was a chance to Christianize the holiday. And some choose to believe that Valentine’s Day was created by Hallmark to make more people spend more money on things such as Hallmark’s cards.

So how has the celebration changed? Many couples are making plans like a nice dinner, flowers and chocolate for their sweetheart. All of this costs the average person $175 to $210. Not only that, but America has been estimated to spend $2.3 billion this year on roses alone. 

“Valentine’s is the day I can share my appreciation for people by giving them gifts,” Brian Lewey said.

“For Valentine’s Day I am curling up into a ball in the corner of my room and crying,” Jonathon Ramirez said.

After all, everyone enjoys a treat.

” I don’t think you need to be in a relation ship to have a good Valentine’s Day” Sydney Thomas-Arnold said.