"Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday? Well today the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine of Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contains 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."

"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", and expression that is still is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and most importantly, romantic figure. Its no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France."

Last Updated: April 04, 2008
By: Ashley Money