Episode Description:
Valentine’s Day—a celebration of love, romance, and sweet gestures… but did you know its origins are far from roses and chocolates? Before Hallmark cards and candlelit dinners, this day had ties to ancient rituals, mysterious gods, and even a rebellious king lost in history.

In this episode of LilWeird, we dig deep into the shadowy past of Valentine’s Day, exploring:

🩸 The Roman festival of Lupercalia, filled with wild rituals and strange traditions
🏹 Cupid’s hidden backstory—was he more than just a love-struck cherub?
👑 The controversial connection to an ancient ruler, whose legend still echoes today
🔮 The Gnostic influence that shaped early Christian traditions
💌 How the Church rebranded a festival of fertility into a day of love

Is Valentine’s Day really about Saint Valentine, or is there more to the story? Join me as we question the origins of one of the world’s most beloved holidays.

🎧 Listen now and uncover the hidden history!

🔎 Show Notes:

📖 Further Reading for Curious Minds:

The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop – A controversial book linking modern traditions to Babylonian mystery religions
Babylon Mystery Religion by Ralph Woodrow – Explores the connections between ancient and modern religious customs
Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola & George Barna – A deep dive into how pagan influences shaped Christian traditions
The Golden Bough by Sir James Frazer – A study on mythology, folklore, and rituals

🗣️ Join the Conversation:
What do you think about these theories? Do they hold weight, or are they just historical coincidences? Let’s chat!
📩 DM me on Instagram @lilweird_podcast or leave a comment on your favorite podcast platform.


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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This episode of LilWeird explores various historical theories, interpretations, and myths surrounding Valentine’s Day. While some of these ideas are based on historical records, others stem from alternative research and speculation. This episode is intended for discussion and curiosity—not as a definitive historical account. Listeners are encouraged to think critically, do their own research, and form their own conclusions.

📚 References & Sources:
The Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop – A book that claims many modern traditions have roots in ancient Babylon, though it is debated by historians.
Babylon Mystery Religion by Ralph Woodrow – A book that explores the evolution of religious customs, though the author later distanced himself from Hislop’s conclusions.
Pagan Christianity? by Frank Viola & George Barna – An exploration of how pagan traditions influenced Christian holidays and practices.
The Golden Bough by Sir James Frazer – A detailed study of mythology, folklore, and ancient religious customs.
Historical references to Lupercalia – Sourced from Encyclopedia Britannica and various academic texts.
Biblical references – Genesis 10:8-12 (Nimrod), interpretations of Saint Valentine, and theories surrounding Babylonian religious influence.

📌 Note: Some of these sources present alternative or speculative theories. Listeners are encouraged to explore multiple perspectives and conduct their own research.

Credits:
Closing Music: 'Dystopia' by Neutrin05