Who Was St. Valentine?
Every February, the world turns its attention to hearts, roses, and handwritten notes signed “Be My Valentine.” But behind the modern celebration stands a far more complex and ancient figure — St. Valentine, a name shared by at least two early Christian martyrs whose stories eventually intertwined into legend.
Historically, the Church recognizes multiple men named Valentine (or Valentinus) who lived during the 3rd century. The two most prominent were Valentine of Rome, a priest, and Valentine of Terni, a bishop. Both were executed during the reign of Emperor Claudius II, likely for ministering to persecuted Christians at a time when the faith was outlawed.
Over time, their stories merged. According to tradition, Valentine defied imperial orders by secretly marrying Christian couples, believing in the sanctity of covenant love even when Rome did not. This act of compassion — and rebellion — made him a symbol of faithful love and devotion.
Another beloved legend tells of Valentine’s imprisonment. While awaiting execution, he is said to have befriended — and even miraculously healed — the jailer’s daughter. On the day of his martyrdom, he allegedly left her a note signed “from your Valentine.” Though historically uncertain, this tender detail helped shape the romantic associations that later blossomed around his name.
Despite the popularity of these stories, very little verifiable history exists, and the Catholic Church eventually removed St. Valentine from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 due to the lack of reliable information. Still, he remains recognized as a saint, and his relics are venerated in Rome, Dublin, and other parts of the world.
Interestingly, the connection between St. Valentine and romance did not emerge until the Middle Ages, when poets like Geoffrey Chaucer linked February 14 with courtly love and the mating season of birds. This poetic association — not the saint’s biography — is what ultimately transformed Valentine’s feast day into a celebration of affection.
Today, St. Valentine is honored as the patron saint of lovers, engaged couples, beekeepers, and even those suffering from epilepsy — a reminder that his legacy extends far beyond chocolates and greeting cards.
In truth, St. Valentine stands as a symbol of courageous love: love that defies oppression, love that heals, and love that endures even in the face of death. His story — part history, part legend — continues to inspire a world still hungry for faithful, sacrificial, loving devotion.
The first Valentine’s Day celebration in the United States as a popular cultural event began in the mid-19th century, when Esther Howland of Massachusetts started selling mass-produced Valentine cards in the 1840s. Her ornate, lace-trimmed cards helped transform the holiday from a European tradition into a mainstream American custom.
While informal Valentine exchanges may have occurred earlier, Howland’s commercial success marked the beginning of Valentine’s Day as a recognized holiday in the U.S. Her father owned a stationery store, and she capitalized on the growing interest in romantic expression by importing British styles and adding her own flair.
By the late 1800s, Valentine’s Day was widely celebrated across the country, especially among middle-class Americans. The tradition expanded from romantic love to include affection between friends, family, and classmates — a trend that continues today. So, while the exact first celebration is hard to pinpoint, the 1840s mark the beginning of Valentine’s Day as a public, commercial, and cultural observance in the United States.