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Every February 14, Valentine's day is celebrated around the whole world. Candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones. Cupid, the winged toddler god of love and affection is firing off his arrows on young and old in support of St Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?
The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
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. 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.
According to another legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailer's daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today.
Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure.
1x wishes all romantic souls, young or old, a great Valentine's day full of love and affection. As a huge heartfelt wish card, this great selection of wonderful images from our members.
 | Write |
 | Carmit Rozenzvig Such a beautiful selection , i enjoyed each and every image here. |
 | Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks, Carmit !!! Hope you had a lovely Valentine's day ;-) |
 | Luis Sarmento Great work Yvette Depaepe! Manny thanks and a Happy Valentine´s Day for all of you. :) |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks, Luis !!! An honor to me to make this great selection ;-) |
 | Jane Lyons PRO What a fabulous montage, Yvette! Happy Valentines Day to you and to all 1x lovers! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW ;-))) Thank you, Jane !!! It was so nice to gather this montage ! |
 | Ralf Stelander FOUNDER Great collection of valentine images Yvette! =) |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thank you, Ralf !!! The 1x community is so full of love and friendship ;-) |
 | DDiArte PRO Perfection!!!!!! Congrats!!
all the best!! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks, my friends !!! Delighted to find the roots of love in your work ;-) |
 | Edith Hoffman Lovely blog entrance and read Yvette. Thanks for being part of this great selection of images. Wishing all of you a very happy Valentine's day and enjoy your weekend! Kind regards, Edith :-) |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks for your lovely reaction, Edith ! Cheers, Yvette |
 | Mohammad Soheilinia Kissing is a perfect example of expressing interest in others and recording these moments makes the viewer feel good,
Happy Valentine to all lovers and BRAVO for these choosing best! |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks Mohammad !!! Have a Happy Valentine's Day ;-) |
 | Olga Mest a lovely blog entrance and a fantastic selection of images, real pleasure :) |
| Yvette Depaepe CREW Thanks, dear Olga !!! Wish you a very happy Valentine's day, dear friend ! |