History of Valentines

There are many legends about the history of Valentines. This is one of our favorites.

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 defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's was caught Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Legends say that many of the young couples he married brought Valentine cards and flowers as a symbol of gratitude while he was in prison. Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with his jailor's daughter who visited him during his confinement. On the day of his death February 14th, it is said that he wrote her a letter, which he passed through the cell signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

To learn more about some of the legends of Valentines visit the History of Valentines.