情人节的起源有基督教的传说，说瓦伦丁是个牧师，在古罗马的暴政统治下，偷偷地为想要结婚的青年男女按基督徒的仪式主持婚礼，结果被抓住处死。可是，这里还有另一种说法呢，说他是爱上了监狱看守的女儿，在临死前向她表白自己的心意……

According to one legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself.

While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement.

Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It's no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints iEngland and France.