“The ancient Romans may be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day. Later, Pope Gelasius I muddled things in the 5th century by combining St. Valentine's Day with Lupercalia (A day the Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. Young women would actually line up for the men to hit them, in belief that this would make them fertile) to expel the pagan rituals. But the festival was more of a theatrical interpretation of what it had once been. Around the same time, the Normans celebrated Galatin's Day. Galatin meant "lover of women." That was likely confused with St. Valentine's Day at some point, in part because they sound alike. And then, people like Shakespeare encouraged the holiday through his writings, as well as commercial advertising through businesses like Hallmark. ” -The Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day: Arnie Seipel This Valentine’s Day our Arts and Sciences Media Team, Hive, held a wonderful potluck to emphasize their love. Take a look at all of the fun captured at the potluck, and get ready for next year’s holiday! Photos by: Dana Rogers