A crash-course on the history of Valentine's Day

Most USC Aiken students are going to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend by sending flowers, chocolates and enjoying romantic dates with their partner—most without knowing the history behind the holiday.

Though the exact origin of the holiday is not pinpointed, most believe that the place it started was Ancient Rome. 

Some believe that this holiday was celebrated in the name of St. Valentine. 

St. Valentine was a priest during the third century. During his time as a priest, he secretly helped perform marriages for young lovers even when it was against the rule. 

Valentine was later caught and ordered a death sentence by the Roman Emperor. 

Because of his death, researchers believe that people celebrated Valentine’s Day in memory of the priest. 

The celebration during those times often ended with young women in the city placing their name in a urn and if their name is chosen by the bachelors, they would become a couple for the year.

Oftentimes they ended up together.

The holiday was originally celebrated on February 15, but it wasn’t until the 5th century when Pope Gelasius announced that February 14 is St. Valentine’s day. 

This holiday wasn't associated with love much later until France and England understood that February was the beginning of bird’s mating season. 

From there, the celebration of Valentine's Day became involved and became what it is today.