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History Series: Valentine’s Day
Interview: What’s the History Behind Valentine’s Day?
Who was St. Valentine, where did the customs come from, why is it about romance?
Lisa Anderson’ recently interviewed me on her Boundless podcast/radio show. She asked me several questions about the history behind St. Valentine, the customs we practice, and how it relates to single people.
I had an unexpected answer about what to do if you don’t have a date. My answers surprised her, and at the end of the show, she surprised me with a question I wasn’t expecting.
Here’s the blurb on the podcast:
“Culture: Will the Real St. Valentine Please Stand Up?
Where did the Valentine’s Day traditions of flowers, romantic cards and heart-shaped candies come from? It started with St. Valentine, a real person with a fascinating story. To help separate truth from legend, historian Bill Petro shares facts, fiction and legacy around the Roman priest and the holiday that shares his name.”
Interview
Note: because this is part of a collection of three interviews, mine is the second one and starts after the music at the time mark 26:30 and goes to 49:40.
