ST VALENTINES DAY - WHERE DID IT ORIGINATE ?

To-day is St Valentines Day.
Where did it originate ?
I looked up the internet, and google was very helpful.
There were a number of storys, but l'm sure this is the correct version.

The Real " Saint Valentine" was a Roman Catholic Priest

A defiant Priest,  from the 3rd Century A.D., named Valentine

The Emperor Claudius, was a Vicious Ruler.
His vast army of men, were away from there loved ones for months on end, and as a result were very homesick.

So the Emperor banned marriages, as LOVE was weakening his army of men

The defiant Priest Valentine would secretly marry young couples, as he thought Emperor Claudius
was unjust. ----           Eventually Claudius found out and the Priest was imprisoned,  awaiting execution.

While waiting in his cell, many young couples, and grateful people would push flowers, roses and letters through the cell bars.

During this time he fell in love with the Jailers Daughter.

The Priest Valentine was executed on FEBRUARY the 14th

Before he died he wrote a letter to the women he loved signed " YOUR VALENTINE "

I think this is a lovely romantic story and I shall appreciate St Valentines Day more,
as its not really a big day here in Australia, as it is in America.

 My husband says he doesn't believe in it, as its so commercial  But on the 14th of February every year, he places a lovely rose from our garden, ( preferably a red one ) in a vase on our kitchen table.
I don't care if it doesn't match the vase, or its not a bud and only lasts a day. I love it and look forward to it every year.