Here is the answer from the Feb 8th 95 Awake.
In Rome many worshiped a similar god named Faunus. He too was depicted as half man and half goat. Worship of Faunus was prominent at Lupercalia, an orgiastic festival that was observed each year on February 15. During this festival scantily clad men raced around a hill, brandishing goatskin whips. Women who wanted to bear children stood near the path of these runners. Striking a woman with a whip, the Romans believed, would ensure her fertility.
According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, Lupercalia was abolished by Pope Gelasius I in the late fifth century C.E. Yet, today we find a modern-day counterpart prospering under the title: "Saint Valentine’s Day." There are various theories regarding the origin of this "Christianized" name. According to one story, the third-century Roman emperor Claudius II forbade young men to marry. Valentine, a priest, married young couples secretly. Some say that he was executed on February 14, about 269 C.E. In any case, a "saintly" title cannot conceal the unsavory origin of this celebration. Valentine Day is rooted in pagan rituals and is therefore not celebrated by true Christians. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Year-round expressions of genuine love are much more rewarding than the passing fancies of a sentimental
I was raised as a JW and yes when I was in school I had to just sit away from everyone else if they tried to give me heart I refused it. And I grew up hating it I was always in a bad mood during all holiday seasons. Since their's always a holiday season I pretty much stayed in a bad mood and didn't like anyone that celebrated. This year I'm celebrateing it with a vengance. I have bought my wife a valentine everyday since the 1st and will continue until the 15th. Our daughter was born on the 15th so I will give them both a valentine on her birthday. We were both raised as JWs and are only considered in active right now.
The way I see it is that JWs religion originaly was started by CT Russell who was a Second Advent and used some of their teachings to establish the JW doctrines like 1914. You can find that info in Studies of the Scriptures by CT Russel and Crisis of Sonscience by Ray Franz. So why is is ok for them to base their docrines on "pagan" beliefs but not to celebrate holidays?
I know "the light gets brighter" or they have new light" Well those holidays are not celebrated for what they used to be either. They are occasions for families to get together and refocus on what life is about, rather then working.
