I got this article from friend of mine:
A priest named Valentine lived in Rome during the 3rd Century. At that time, Rome was ruled by Emperor Claudius who wanted to build a large army. He expected men to volunteer to join, but many didn’t because they were reluctant to leave their wives and families.
Angry, Emperor Claudius decided to ban all marriages. Young people thought this was cruel and would go to Valentine and asked to be married which he happily did. Even after the law was passed, Valentine would continue performing ceremonies secretly in a small, candlelit room with only the bride and groom. Valentine and the couple would whisper the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of soldiers.
One night soldiers stormed Valentine’s place, capturing him and throwing him into jail – the newly married couple fortunately escaped. Valentine was sentenced to death.
While in jail awaiting his execution, many young people would come to visit Valentine, throwing notes and flowers to his window. They wanted him to know that they believed in love. One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit Valentine in jail. They would sit and talk for hours; she would help to keep up his spirits.
On the day Valentine was scheduled to be executed, February 14, 269 AD, he left his friend a note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”
The note started the custom of thinking about friendship and exchanging love messages on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.
