In Roman times, 14 February was the day before the beginning of the Feast of Lupercal (a spring festival.) On this day, young men and women used to find partners through a “lottery” system where they put their names in a box; the partner they found in this manner would usually stay with them for up to a year. It was also customary to give your new partner a present.
In the 3rd Century AD, the Emperor Claudius II tried to prevent or restrict young men from marrying, as he believed it made them less effective soldiers in the many wars fought during his reign. An early Christian Bishop, Valentine, is said to have secretly helped young couples by performing illegal wedding ceremonies.
He was killed for this and later made a saint. Feb 14 became known as St Valentine’s Day, probably because of this connection with young lovers.
Valentine’s Day has never completely been forgotten, though it wasn’t always the major festival it is today. It is mentioned as a lovers’ day in medieval literature, and the custom of exchanging gifts has been fairly widespread since the 18th century.