Valentines originated in the 5th century in Rome. It started as a Christian feast day and was originally called St. Valentines day. A pope started the holiday to honor someone named St. Valentine, however historians are not quite sure who he was honoring they do know that there were three people named St. Valentine that had died on February 14th. It was not util the 14th century that this feast day was associated with love. Around the 18th century in England was where and when people began exchanging gifts and home made cards for the special occasion. Today around 25% of all cards are sent as valentines.
There are many myths of how St. Valentine was associated with Valentines day and as of right now no one truly knows what really happened. One myth is that Claudius the 2nd banned people form getting married at a young age because he strongly believed that the young men should become soldiers instead. St. Valentine who was a Roman Priest decided to go against his ruling and let them get illegally married. He was later put to death for his actions. Another myth is that St. Valentine was apprehended by Claudius but he fell in love with Claudius's daughter and right before he was put to death he sent a letter to his love saying "from your valentine". Another myth is that St. Valentine was not focused on Eros which is passionate love and instead focused on agape which is Christian love. He was then put to death for refusing to renounce his religion. Link to my source on Valentines day.
There are many myths of how St. Valentine was associated with Valentines day and as of right now no one truly knows what really happened. One myth is that Claudius the 2nd banned people form getting married at a young age because he strongly believed that the young men should become soldiers instead. St. Valentine who was a Roman Priest decided to go against his ruling and let them get illegally married. He was later put to death for his actions. Another myth is that St. Valentine was apprehended by Claudius but he fell in love with Claudius's daughter and right before he was put to death he sent a letter to his love saying "from your valentine". Another myth is that St. Valentine was not focused on Eros which is passionate love and instead focused on agape which is Christian love. He was then put to death for refusing to renounce his religion. Link to my source on Valentines day.