During The Lupercalia festival
Celebrated in mid February
A spring cleansing ritual
Averted evil spirits and purified the city
Thereby releasing good health - promoting fertility

After Christianity
Became The Imperial State Religion
Saint Valentine's day
Was incorporated into The Lupercalia tradition

© Calac

Lupercalia, a Roman festival.
February occurred later on the ancient Roman calendar
than it does today
So Lupercalia was held in the spring
Regarded as a festival of purification and fertility.

Chris Lane

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lupercalia-festival-valentine-s-day/