What is the history behind Saint Valentines day?

Answer by  Ken56 (1160)

It dates back to year 500 A.D. and is named after probably more than one Christian martyr by the name of Valentine. It was established by Pope Gelasius. It was later removed from a day of sainthood by Pope Paul VI in 1969, but remains a popular secular holiday today.

Answer by  Tealparadise (245)

Valentines day marks the creation of the court of love in Paris in 1400. This court dealt with spousal abuse, marriage, etc. However, sending valentines was not a popular practice until the 1800s. Tradition of the month of February containing a day of love has its roots in Catholic and Roman culture - the identity of the saint is unknown.

Answer by  jamie11 (604)

Saint Valentines day was originally celebrated to honor a Catholic patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine. It honors, I believe several by that name, were killed on February 14th.

Answer by  Vicki87 (436)

One story says that an emperor felt that he could only draft single men for the army and Valentine (who was a priest) married young couples in secret to dodge the draft. Another story says that he fell in love with a jailer's daughter and sent her the first valentine signed "from your valentine"

Answer by  HeidiW (371)

It started in 269, February the 14th, they honoured the Valentines of Rome. One of them was a priest that died on the 14th.Back then there were no romantic implications.