Valentine's Day History

Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But till date mystery shrouds the identity of the saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

There is no clear piece of evidence and even today the history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has for long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this Valentine's Day ancient rite?

The following are some of the stories prevalent regarding St. Valentine:

• One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
• Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.
• According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.
• Later, during the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February -- Valentine's Day -- should be a day for romance.

In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the seventeenth century. By the middle of the eighteenth century, it was a common among friends and lovers in all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes.

Well the more the mouths, more the number of stories. But one thing is certain that everyone believes and confides in the fact that Valentine was a very romantic person and laid the foundation for lovers to come forward and express feelings to their valentine.