St. Valentine is martyred

During this century, the inspiration for romance and love on Valentine’s Day turns into the specific gesture of exchanging valuable items, poems and love letters which may have been delivered by hand or by the US Postal Service.

Defying anti-marriage instructions given by Emperor Claudius II in order to build up the army, Valentine secretly supports and marries young couples which eventually leads to him being put to death. His death is said to have taken place on...