Every February, across the country, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

The history of Valentine's Day -- and its patron saint -- is shrouded in mystery. But we do know that February has long been a month of romance. St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

So, who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in England and France.

More Valentine's Day Gifts 1 2

Chocolate Treasure Gift Basket

The perfect gift for chocolate lovers! A beautiful and elegant gift basket that includes a grand assortment gourmet chocolates. A beautiful gift for all
occasions! The Chocolate Treasures Gift Basket Includes: 9oz. Chocolate truffles, Assorted Ghirardelli chocolates, 3oz. Rocky road popcorn, Belagio white chocolate holiday cocoa, Amaretto chocolate covered stir spoon, Special grand chocolate truffles, Chocolate shortbread cookies, Cella's chocolate covered cherries, White chocolate covered Oreo cookies, Malta Bela chocolate almond toffee, Chocolate walnut caramels.

Romantic Prelude Gift Basket

Romance her with this romantic basket filled with beautiful sentiments. Includes a variety of Home Spun Naturals, Soaps, Body Lotion, Bath Crystal, Tub Tea
and an Adorable Russ Lovely Teddy Bear.

Memories Of Love

Tell her you love her with this hand crafted gift basket. Includes: Russ Large Heart Stoneware Plaque, Handpainted love mug, Russ Memories of Love Martini Glass Gel Candle, Heart Huggers Love Bear and Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar. Memories Of Love
Tell her you love her with this hand crafted gift basket. Includes: Russ Large Heart Stoneware Plaque, Handpainted love mug, Russ Memories of Love Martini Glass Gel Candle, Heart Huggers Love Bear and Ghirardelli Chocolate Bar.