Every year on February 14, across the US and in many places around the world, sweets, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is the mysterious saint behind this custom, and where did the tradition come from? Find out more about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from old rituals of ancient Rome to the customs of Victorian England.

The Legend of St. Valentine
While we do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains parts of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. Still the history of Valentine’s Day and the story of its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this old custom of giving gifts and flowers and cards in mid-February each year?

The Catholic Church seems to recognize at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom became martyrs. One legend goes that Valentine was a Christian minister who served in ancient Rome around the year 250. Around that time Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than men with wives and children, he outlawed marriage for young men up to the age of 25. Valentine, realizing the injustice of this, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be executed.

There are other stories that suggest Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh conditions in Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one old legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young women–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who kept visiting him during his incarceration. Before his execution, it is alleged that he wrote her a note, nowadays we would say a greeting card, signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that we still use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is unclear, all the stories about him emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and particularly romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, probably thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Whatever you do, whatever you offer this Valentine’s Day, make certain all is wrapped nicely and comes with beautiful greeting card for your personal message. Get a special card this Valentine’s, maybe even spend the extra dollar, the special person in your life is worth it.