Saint Valentine's Day History

• Saint Valentine is celebrated annually on February 14th as the patron saint of love.
• There are multiple Saint Valentines, but Saint Valentine of Rome is the most renowned one.
• Saint Valentine, a Roman priest and doctor, defied Emperor Claudius Gothicus' ban on soldier marriages and performed secret weddings.
• Gothicus discovered Valentine's secret weddings and arrested him, keeping him in prison.
• While in prison, Valentine was challenged by the jailer, Asterius, to restore the sight of his blind daughter. After doing so, Asterius freed Valentine and all imprisoned Christians.
• Valentine's letter to Asterius' daughter, signed "from your Valentine," is considered the first Valentine's Day letter.
• The story of Saint Valentine has been passed down through the centuries, inspiring poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare.
• The introduction of reliable and affordable postage stamps in the 19th century made it possible for people to send Valentine's Day cards anonymously, leading to the mass production of cards during the holiday.

Test your knowledge about the history and traditions of Saint Valentine's Day, including the story of Saint Valentine of Rome, his acts of defiance, and the evolution of celebrating love on February 14th.