El Origen de San Valentín (Destripando La Historia)

Pascu y Rodri, known for their humorous and educational musical storytelling, take us on a fascinating journey through the origins of Valentine's Day in their song 'El Origen de San Valentín (Destripando La Historia).' The song begins by introducing the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration filled with peculiar rituals. During Lupercalia, young men dressed as animals would gather under the fig tree Ruminalis, a site linked to the myth of Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. The rituals involved sacrificing a goat, smearing themselves with its blood, and then cleaning their faces with milk-soaked wool. These acts, though seemingly bizarre, were believed to promote fertility.

The narrative then shifts to the intervention of the Church. Pope Gelasius I, disapproving of the Lupercalia's indecent practices, abolished the festival in the 5th century and dedicated the day to Saint Valentine, a martyr whose story was relatively obscure. This change marked the beginning of the association between February 14th and Saint Valentine, though it initially lacked the romantic connotations we recognize today.

The song further explores how Valentine's Day evolved into a celebration of love. This transformation is attributed to the medieval poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who penned a poem linking the day to romantic love. Chaucer's work became popular in England, inspiring noblemen to court ladies with gifts and affection. Over time, these customs spread and evolved, leading to the modern-day celebration of Valentine's Day as a day for lovers to express their affection through various gestures. Pascu y Rodri's song cleverly combines historical facts with humor, making the complex history of Valentine's Day both entertaining and informative.