Valentine

Valentine is the name of several saints. According to tradition, two of them—a priest and a bishop—were martyred near Rome on the same day, 14th of February (circa 490 and 270 AD), and their festival is observed on that day. The tradition of sending love items (Valentines) was probably derived from a Roman custom during the Lupercalia festival, held around the same date, when boys drew lots for the names of girls in honour of the Goddess Juno Februalis. In Britain the practice declined during the 19th century.