When you think of Valentine’s Day, you think of teddy bears, chocolate, hearts, and more romantic things you can get for your significant other.

Have you ever thought about how it became a holiday? Valentine’s Day was originally called “Saint Valentine’s Day” or “Feast of Saint Valentine” It originated as a Christian feast day honoring martyrs named Valentine. 

There were many martyrs named Valentine. However, The Saint Valentine of Rome is where the tradition has the most history, as he was a relic in love.

Throughout history the folk tradition became a significant celebration of romance. According to early tradition, Saint Valentine rehabilitated the sight of the blind daughter of his jailer. Emperor Claudis II banned marriage so the men would be more willing to go to war. The Roman priest, Valentine, performed weddings for Christian soldiers who were not allowed to be married.  He was the healer of all love. 

However, It does have a dark history behind it. Emperor Claudius II executed two men who were both coincidentally named Valentine. On the same exact day of Feb. 14th but of different years in the third century. Their martyrdom was honored by their fellow Catholic Church with the celebration of Saint Valentine’s Day.

Here are some fun facts about traditional folk Valentine’s.

• The first ever Valentine’s letter was sent from prison.
• In A.D 496, Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as Valentine’s Day.
• Valentine’s stemmed from a Catholic Church, but it is not biblical. 
• The day before Valentine’s Day is called Galentine’s Day.