Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day was originally observed in honor of the martyr Saint Valentine. It is usually celebrated on February 14 throughout the world.

There are several theories about the origins of this day. The most common one involves the execution of the Italian bishop Valentine on February 14, 270 c.e. by the Roman emperor Claudius II for conducting secret marriages of soldiers. The bishop angered the emperor, who believed that single men made better soldiers than did those with wives and families and who had hence outlawed marriage for young men.

Other theories connected to Valentine’s Day originated in the belief in England and France during the Middle Ages that on February 14, birds begin to pair. French and English literature from the 14th and 15th centuries make ...