What is the story behind St. Valentine’s? Why is St. Valentine’s day about love?

Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian feast day honouring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with the celebration of romantic love and affection. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished.

The legend of Valentine’s day involves Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who lived in the third century. According to legend, Saint Valentine performed marriages for soldiers forbidden to marry during a time when the Emperor of Rome Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage stating that married soldiers did not make good warriors.

One legend also says that Saint Valentine refused to convert to paganism and was executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II. Before his execution, Saint Valentine miraculously healed the daughter of his jailer, who later converted to Christianity along with his family.

Emperor Claudius II executed two men both named Valentine on February 14 of different years in the third century. Their martyrdom was honoured by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day also has ties to Roman traditions. The ancient Romans celebrated a fertility festival known as Lupercalia in mid-February, which included the exchange of love notes and gifts. This festival was later Christianized and merged with the celebration of Saint Valentine.