-The history of Valentine's Day and its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus.

- One legend says that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers, he outlawed marriage for young, single men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

- According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine, an expression that is still in use today.

- The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. The greeting, which was written in 1415, can be viewed today at the British Museum in London, England

- Cupid, the child-like, winged deity often associated with our modern Valentine's day, is the son of Venus, the Greek goddess of love. In Roman mythology, Cupid is known as Aphrodite's son Eros.


Wishing you all a happy valentine day