History of Valentine's Day

The history of Valentine’s Day, legend says, originated during the 3rd Century in Rome. During this time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men in his empire. A young priest named Valentine was furious with this injustice and defied Claudius by continuing to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Valentine’s actions were eventually discovered and he was sentenced to death.

During his time in jail, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter, who visited him in prison. Before he was put to death, Valentine sent a letter to his lover and signed it, “From Your Valentine”-an expression we still use today. Valentine was executed on February 14th, 270 AD. Many years later, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14th a day to honor Valentine, who by that time had become a saint.