The Legend of the Valentine

Each year February rolls around and people from around the world celebrate Valentine's Day with those that they love. In honor of Saint Valentine; flowers, candy and cards are gifts given to express love and devotion.

Time to get up to speed on your Valentine's history! "Who is St. Valentine"?

Legend has it that a priest named Valentine served during third century Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius II declared that all single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this in mind he outlawed marriage for young men. He ultimately wanted to build a stronger military base. Legend tells us that Valentine decided that this decree was just unfair. Valentine decided to act out against this unfair rule and secretly married young couples. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine's actions he had him put to death.

Follow up:

Another legend has it that an imprisoned man fell in love with his jailer's daughter. That man was Valentine. Valentine before he was put to death sent the first 'valentine' to the jailer's daughter himself when he wrote her a letter and signed it 'Your Valentine', words still used on cards today.

Are you wondering about another valentine gentleman? Cupid! In latin cupido, or Cupid is known for "desire". In Roman mythology Cupid is the son of Venus, goddess of love. His counterpart in Greek mythology is Eros, god of love. Cupid is often said to be a mischievous boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.

The true identity and story behind the man named St. Valentine may never be really known, but this much is known for sure...February has been the month to celebrate love for a long time, dating clear back to the Middle Ages. In fact, Valentines rank second only to Christmas in number of greeting cards sent.