Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. There are several legends surrounding his life, but one popular story is that he secretly married couples despite a Roman decree forbidding marriage. This act of defiance, along with his eventual martyrdom, led to his association with love and romance. Over time, February 14th became a day to celebrate love and affection, though the practice of sending valentines began much later.
Early Valentine's Greetings
The earliest known written Valentine’s message is often attributed to Charles, Duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. He sent a poem to his wife, marking the first known instance of a "Valentine" in a more personal, romantic sense. However, these early messages were often hand-written and very personalized, rather than mass-produced cards. shutdown123