The tradition of Valentine’s Day originated in Rome in the 5th century as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop who was beheaded by Emperor Claudius on February 14, 270 A.D. The story goes that the Emperor banned marriage in his empire and put Valentine to his death when he found out that Valentine was secretly marrying young people.
Originally, the day was marked by sending poems and gifts (such as flowers) but it became quite commercialized already in the 1800’s.
Today, Valentine symbols include Cupid, flowers, chocolates and hearts.
Sending a valentine in the United States is not a serious declaration of love as in some other countries. Children usually send valentines to the other children in their class and to the teacher. Friends and relatives exchange valentines.
The tradition of Valentine’s Day originated in Rome in the 5th century as a tribute to St. Valentine, a Catholic bishop who was beheaded by Emperor Claudius on February 14, 270 A.D. The story goes that the Emperor banned marriage in his empire and put Valentine to his death when he found out that Valentine was secretly marrying young people.