the history of Valentine's Day

FIRST
a day on which lovers traditionally exchange affectionate messages and gifts. It is observed on February 14 , the date on which Saint Valentine was matyred.
(The encyclopedia Americana, volume XXVII, page 860)

SECOND
the date on the modern celebration, February 14, is believed to derive in the execution of a Christian martyr, St. Valentine, on February 14, 270.
(The Enyclopedia Americana volume XIII page 464)

THIRD
Valentine, St. priest and physician of Rome who suffered martydorn probably during the persecution under Claudius II in 269. his feast is on February 14th. the custom of sending valentines probabbly had its origin in a heathen practicce connected with the worship of Juno Februalis at the Lupercalia or perhaps in the medieval belief that birds commenced to mate on February 14th
(Everyman's Encyclopedia, volume XII, page 388)

FOURTH
One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men — his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
(http://www.history.com/content/valentine/history-of-valentine-s-day)

anyway, the legend behind the celebration is rather murky.. despite all the murky-ness.. 1 thing for sure, this celebration is not to be followed by muslims..

taken from Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) Padang Terap
wallahualam..