| The history of Valentine's Day and its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. Every February,14 - as springtime approaches - people express their goodwill to friends and loved ones in terms of candy, flowers and gifts, and children exchange valentine cards at school. Sometimes social gatherings and balls are held to celebrate the day. All of this is done in the name of Saint Valentine. There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day, which contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. One legend states that Saint Valentine, or Valentinus, was a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend says that Saint Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it, "From Your Valentine." Another legend states that Saint Valentine served as a temple priest, 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. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered him put to death. In around 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius set aside February 14, to honor Saint Valentine. By the Middle Ages, Saint Valentine, who was known as a sympathetic, heroic, and romantic figure, became one of the most popular saints in England and France. Gradually, February 14 became the annual day for exchanging messages of endearment and Saint Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. Commercial valentines were first introduced in the 1800's. In Colorado, many people like to have their Valentines post marked from the town of Loveland.
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