St. Valentine’s Day

St. Valentine’s Day, also simply called Valentine's Day, is very popular in Great Britain, the United States, and other countries. It takes place on February 14^th. It is also called Lover's Day or Sweetheart's Day.

There are two stories available about the origin of Valentine’s Day. One of the stories goes back to 270 B.C., the time of the Roman Empire. Valentine was a Roman priest and he went to prison where he fell in love with Juliette, the jailer's daughter. He sent her letters and signed them: “From your Valentine.” His friends also tossed him some flowers and postcards into his cell. He was beheaded on February 14^th.

Nowadays people send Valentine's Day cards with Valentine’s wishes. Most of the cards aren't signed and you have to guess who sent them. People also send cards with flowers, especially red roses or tulips. Gifts are also common, such as jewelry, chocolates, candy, or dinner at a nice restaurant.

In some schools in the U.S., Valentine’s grams are sent. Students pay about $1 to send a gram, and on Valentine's Day, the grams are delivered by the student council to the recipients along with candy or a rose.