Juno, Lupercus, and Valentine -- oy vey

Valentine was a Roman priest martyred under the Emperor Claudius II on February 14th, 269. Legend has it that Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter whom he had fallen madly in love with, signed "From Your Valentine."

Not coincidentally, February 14th was a holiday to honour Juno, the patron goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia, in honour of Lupercus, the god of fertility.

To Christianize the ancient pagan celebrations and to steal their thunder, Pope Gelasius I recast this pagan festivals as a Christian feasts circa 496, declaring February 14 to be Saint Valentine's Day.