There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.?
Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.?
Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.?
In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.?
情人節又叫聖瓦倫丁節或聖華倫泰節，即每年的2月14日，是西方國家的傳統節日之壹，起源於基督教。這是壹個關於愛、浪漫以及花、巧克力、賀卡的節日 男女在這壹天互送禮物用以表達愛意或友好。情人節的晚餐約會通常代表了情侶關系的發展關鍵。
現已成為歐美各國青年人喜愛的節日，其他國家也已開始流行。而在中國，傳統節日之壹的七夕節也是姑娘們重視的日子，因此而被稱為中國的情人節。由於能表達***同的人類情懷，各國各地紛紛發掘了自身的“情人節”。