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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Sabrina Barr

Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? The unromantic origins of the day of love

Rex Features

Loved by some, loathed by others, Valentine’s Day is widely regarded as the ultimate day of cheesy, unapologetic romance.

While some may be vaguely aware that the occasion takes its name from a priest called Saint Valentine, they may not be acquainted with the full history of Valentine’s Day, which is decidely less romantic than one may expect.

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