History of Valentine’s Day The most popular legend contends that
Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third
century. 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 how wrong this was,
defied Claudius and continued to perform marriage ceremonies for
young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were
discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. According
to another legend, an imprisoned man named Valentine actually
sent the first “valentine” greeting after he fell in love with a
young girl (possibly his jailor’s daughter). Before his death,
he allegedly wrote her a letter signed “From Your Valentine,” an
expression that is still used today. Modern Day Valentine
Nowadays, you won’t be put to death for confessing your love,
but don’t get caught giving (or receiving) the same cliché gifts
each year. Instead, try giving the gift of a Community coffee
and dessert pairing! -