About Valentine's Day         

Saint Valentine was a priest during the time of Roman Emperor, Claudius II. Claudius wanted to have a big army. Lots of men did not want to join the army as they did not want to be away from their wives and families. So Claudius Thought that if these men would not marry, they would be willing to join the army. So he prohibited the marriage of young men. Saint Valentine did not support the law. Rest of the people did not like the law.

Even after Emperor Claudius passed his law, Saint Valentine kept on performing marriage ceremonies secretly. He would marriage ceremonies in a small candlelit room with only the bride and groom and him. We would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers. He was later apprehended by the Romans. One of the legends says that he was put to death. Another legend says that Saint Valentine was imprisoned by Claudius. When in jail, he fell in love with the daughter of his jailer. Later he was executed. Before Saint Valentine's execution he sent her a letter signed "from your Valentine"

This note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day Saint Valentine died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship.

Over the centuries, the Saint Valentine's Day has evolved. By the 18th century, gift-giving and exchanging hand-made cards on Valentine's Day had become common in England. Hand-made valentine cards made of lace, ribbons, and featuring cupids and hearts later on spread to the American colonies. The tradition of Valentine's cards became widespread in the United States, by1850s. Today, of course, the holiday has become global.