The most popular account of the origin of St Valentine's Day centers around a Christian Priest in the Rome of 269 A.D. It would appear that the Emperor of the day, Claudius II, was heavily commited to a number of military campaigns and did not like the fact that the attrition rate ( a euphamism for dead leigoneers ) was far greater than the number of volunteers for military service.

It would appear that despite Shakespear's description of suicide as "The Roman way" the young men of Rome did not regard being killed as a satisfactory hobby. And when separation from one's wife , children, family and friends for years at a time was added in to the equation the result was really a forgone conclusion.

War vs warm wife?
No contest!!

This did not sit well with the Emperor. He had a hissy fit and after frothing at the mouth for a bit came up with a solution that would, he thought, solve the problem at a stroke. If the men did not want to leave their sweethearts and wives, then make it illegal to marry or become engaged. After all this would end the 'Mother in Law' joke industry instantly.

He persuaded enough grumpy old misogynists and sycophants in the Senate to get the law passed and thought that would be that . He had however, reckoned without the hormonal seas raging within every young, and not so young, Roman. Romeo was going to find Juliet whatever the Emperor decreed, and if young love could not marry in public, then they would do it secretly, providing a suitably discrete priest could be found. One such was our Hero Valentine.

Unfortunately not all of the couples that he joined in marriage were as discrete as he. Word spread about his activities and Mrs Valentine's little boy was hauled before the Prefect of Rome who, after an ear wigging from Claudius , was not in a good mood. Contravening the Emperor's wishes was deemed treason at that time and so the prisoner was condemmed to be beaten to death with clubs and then decapitated, just to be certain.

Whilst in prison awaiting the day set for his execution Valentine received anonymous gifts of flowers and, unsigned, letters of support. One of those he made friends with was the daughter of the Guard commander. In some versions she was blind and Valentine's prayers led to her sight being restored. It is said that after he had been taken from the jail to be killed, she found a note of thanks for her kindness and companionship that was signed "From your Valentine".

Valentine died on February 14th 269 A.D. In the years that followed, the account of his life and his death spread far beyond the confines of Rome. So much so that when the Pastors of the early Christian church were looking for a symbol to replace the various non-Christian spring festivals. In particular the Feast of Lupercalia when young men and women engaged in a dating lottery (Blind Date with wax tablets). They settled on St Valentine, and in A.D. 496 Pope Gelasius allowed the anniversery of his death to be used to honour him.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

Click the icon to see some traditions
associated with St Valentine's Day:-

Miss Esther Howland of the United States is credited with sending the first valentine cards. But despite the commercialism that tries to overtake all Christian festivals the underlying message "Love will outlast even death" still shines through with every card and bunch of flowers given on St Valentine's day.

In Wales wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

In the Middle Ages, an echo of the old Lupercalian festival started when young men and women drew names from a bowl to determine the name of their valentine. This name would be displayed on a sleeve for one week. Nowadays to 'wear your heart on your sleeve' means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

Another belief is that if a woman sees a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, she will marry a sailor. If a sparrow, she will marry a poor man and be very happy. If she sees a goldfinch, she will marry a millionaire.

A love seat is a double chair The back being 'S' shaped so that the users must sit facing in opposite directions, In this way, a couple could sit together -- but not too closely!

Think of five or six names of boys or girls you might marry, As you twist the stem of an apple, recite the names until the stem comes off. You will marry the person whose name you were saying when the stem fell off.

Pick a dandelion that has gone to seed. Take a deep breath and blow the seeds into the wind. Count the seeds that remain on the stem. That is the number of children you will have.
If you cut an apple in half and count how many seeds are inside, you will also know how many children you will have.