Just Who Was St. Valentine?

February 14th -- a day to proclaim love and affection with cards, candies and flowers. But how in the world did one of the most romantic days on the calendar become associated with a pious man of the cloth?

Although there are numerous martyred Valentine's honoured on February 14th in Christian history, it is widely believed that it is Valentine of Rome (martyred about AD269) that is the namesake of our modern celebration. 

It is widely believed that St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II. Some historians believe that Valentine opposed a law of the time that ordered young men not to marry. The Emperor, who was constantly building his massive armies, believed that married men did not make good soldiers. It's been suggested that Valentine performed secret marriages for young men and their brides and was subsequently jailed for his actions.  More romantic connections become apparent as some scholars believe that Valentine had himself fallen in love with his jailor's daughter and on the eve of his execution sent her a "Valentine note" professing his love and devotion. The note was apparently signed "From your Valentine."

The modern Western traditions around Valentine's Day date to the late 1800s. Ester Howland from Massachusetts is credited as being one of the first to mass produce and sell embossed paper lace cards. Cards soon became much more elaborate and whimsically romantic.  The usual symbols on the cards are outlined hearts, flowers, doves and young sweethearts.  

Today cards and online e-cards also feature images of popular cartoon figures like Spiderman and Barbie. The Greeting Card Association estimates that more than one billion Valentine's cards are sent annually.  And the celebrations are definitely not unique to North America.  Valentine's Day is celebrated in one form or another in Europe,  South and Central America and Asia, making one of the most universally celebrated days on the calendar.