Valentine's Day (named after an early Christian martyr) is observed every February 14.

A tradition dating back to the third century, the holiday is now celebrated by showing love, affection and appreciation for others with gifts (usually candy or flowers) or cards.

According to Roman legend, during the third century a Christian man known as Valentinus was imprisoned for his Christian beliefs and sentenced to death. While jailed, it is said that Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. The night before he died, Valentinus wrote a farewell note to the girl, which he signed, "From Your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 269 A.D.

Around 498 A.D., Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day to honor the martyr Valentinus.