There are multiple holidays on our calendar that legitimize the overindulgence of chocolate and useless, overpriced offerings, but none of them are as memorable for this specific pattern as Valentine’s Day. The nation-wide abundance of boxed chocolates and plastic-wrapped roses do a fair job at overtaking the original purpose for the 14th of February, which is to celebrate Saint Valentine on his feast day. St. Valentine is the patron of love, young people, and happy marriages, so it’s no mistake that many lovers would rather celebrate with each other and romantic gestures rather than attending a mass. While the Roman Catholic Church removed St. Valentine from the General Roman Calendar on account of the sparse knowledge about him, he still has a place as a saint as he is listed in the February 14th spot of Roman Martyrology.

A common story from the life of Saint Valentine was the period of time when he was on house arrest with Judge Asterius. When Valentine pledged in favor of Jesus and his works, Judge Asterius put him to the test, presenting him with his blind daughter. Valentine restored the vision of the young girl, and the judge swore to do anything for Valentine. Upon Valentine’s request, the now faithful judge freed all of his Christian inmates and converted his entire 44-member household to Christianity. Although this certain judge saw his works first hand, Valentine was eventually arrested and sent to Rome under the emperor Claudius Gothicus for continuing his pursuit to convert people to Christianity. Along those lines, the story states that St. Valentine was imprisoned for marrying Christian couples and aiding Christians being persecuted by Claudius in Rome.

There are other parables that are suspected to have led to the creation of Valentine’s Day, but one in specific has a much darker theme, taking place in ancient Rome. Emperor Claudius II executed two men – both named Valentine – on February 14th during the 3rd century. The Catholic Church honored the deaths of these men with the celebration of Valentine’s Day, while simultaneously designating it as the feast day of mysterious Saint Valentine.

Saint Valentine’s story was not connected to the celebration of love until the Middle Ages in France and England, seeing as February 14th was the beginning of the birds’ mating season. The appearance of chocolate in association with this holiday began around 1615, where chocolate had a reputation as the “elixir of love.” Around this time, chocolate was an extravagant luxury that was out of reach for many until the 18th century progressed. Chocolate had become more affordable to the middle class, thus raising its popularity enormously. By the middle of the 18th century, it was a common occurrence for friends or couples to exchange small heartfelt gifts or handwritten notes, as printed cards were not manufactured until the early 1900s.

Valentine’s Day proceeds with its reputation for a wide range of pink and red teddy bears and chocolates. While numerous couples choose not to celebrate this annual holiday, due to the substantial amount of money spent on overpriced boxes of treats, many do enjoy a special day dedicated to their significant other. The origins of this wholesome and enchanting holiday remain in the curious history of Saint Valentine, and with the even darker emergence of the title.