Valentine’s Day is like a ritual that happens every February 14th. People would spend time with the ones they love and give them gifts. Others would go about their day normally. But how did this celebration first come to this world? 

     Valentine’s day first originated around the third century. St. Valentine was a Roman priest during the time Emperor Claudius II ruled. Claudius decided that single men made better soldiers than ones with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men. 

     Legend has it that Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. Claudius eventually found out and ordered Valentine’s execution on February 14th.But, before he died, he fell in the with the supposed jailer’s daughter who visited him before execution and wrote a note saying, “From your Valentine”.  

     There was another man named Valentine who was also killed-on February 14th but, he didn’t arrange marriages and died a different year. Both Valentines were Christians, so after the second one died; Christians made a feast day in honor of them on the day they died. 

     Over time, Valentine’s Day became known and slowly developed all around the world. It became known as the symbol of love, kindness, and friendship. 

     So, whether you want to get flowers or candy for a certain someone this Valentine’s Day, don’t forget about the man who made it possible, even if it only may be a legend.