Happy Valentine's Day

Celebrated on February 14th each year Valentine's Day, the Feast of Saint Valentine or Saint Valentine's Day is a day when all around the world cards, chocolates, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones.

It originated as a feast day to honour the early saints named Valentinus and recognised as a cultural and commercial celebration around the world. It was an annual holiday, although it is not a public holiday in any country.

There is a legend that Saint Valentine of Rome, while he was imprisoned and before his death on 14th February, wrote a farewell letter to the daughter of his jailer and signed it "your Valentine".

Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century first associated the day with romantic love when courtly love flourished as a tradition.

By the 18th century in England it became an occasion to express love by giving chocolates, flowers and greeting cards.

In Europe keys were given as a romantic symbol to unlock the heart.

In the Middle Ages Valentine became one of the most popular saints in England and France.

Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 wrote the oldest valentine known to be in existence today. It was written to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

King Henry V sent a valentine note to Catherine of Valois several years later, but he employed John Lydgate, a writer to compose it for him.

So how are you going to celebrate St Valentine's Day?