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The Conversation USA

The 'real' St. Valentine was no patron of love

  • Written by Lisa Bitel, Professor of History & Religion, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Relics of St. Valentine of Terni at the basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin.Dnalor 01 (Own work) , CC BY-SA

On Feb. 14, sweethearts of all ages will exchange cards, flowers, candy, and more lavish gifts in the name of St. Valentine. But as a historian of Christianity, I can tell you that at the root of our modern holiday is a beautiful fiction. St....

Read more: The 'real' St. Valentine was no patron of love

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