Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world,  candy,  flowers  and  gifts are exchanged between loved ones,  all in 

the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and  where  did  these traditions come from? Find out about the  history  of  Valentine’s  Day,  from  the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia that welcomed spring to the card-giving customs of Victorian England.

      The history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery. 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   vestiges  of   both  Christian   and   ancient   Roman tradition.

     The  Catholic  Church  recognizes  at  least   three different saints   named   Valentine  or  Valentinus ,  all  of  whom  were martyred. 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. 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. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of  Terni , a bishop , who  was  the  true  namesake  of  the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.