Spanapark Sentinel VOL. XXVI ISSUE. 10

The Legend of St. Valentine Valentineโ€™s Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of Valentineโ€™s Day, from the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia that welcomed spring to the card-giving customs of Victorian England. The history of Valentineโ€™s Dayโ€”and the story of its patron saintโ€”is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentineโ€™s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?