Valentine's Day: 2000 years of love and commerce. But who is this Valentine’s Day that brings joy to florists and lovers? In an unpublished story, Virginie Girod traces the ancient origins of this festival, which became a commercial celebration in the 20th century.
According to legend, a Christian named Valentine was beheaded on February 14, 269 near Rome for having dared to marry young couples in secret, against the advice of the emperor. In the 5th century AD, the Roman Empire was largely Christianized. Pope Gelasius I wishes to erase remaining pagan practices.