The Man, The Myth, The Martyr
This Roman priest secretly performed Christian marriages, defying imperial law.
Who is St. Valentine?
This sacrament, central to Valentine’s story, was often performed secretly by early Christian clergy.
What is marriage?
In Japan, women give chocolate on Valentine’s Day, and men reciprocate a month later on this holiday.
What is White Day?
This modern method of meeting partners has become one of the most common ways adults form relationships.
What is online dating?
St. Valentine was imprisoned for defying this emperor’s ban on marriage for young soldiers.
Who is Claudius II?
This virtue—one of the three theological virtues—is most associated with Christian love.
What is charity (caritas)?
In Denmark, lovers exchange pressed white flowers known as these.
What are snowdrops?
This 1990s rom‑com starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere remains a Valentine’s favorite.
What is Pretty Woman?
Tradition says Valentine restored sight to this person, the daughter of his jailer.
Who is Julia?
This saint, known for his “Canticle of Love,” is often depicted with a flaming heart.
Who is St. Augustine?
In South Korea, this “Black Day” on April 14th is for singles who didn’t receive gifts.
What is Black Day?
This February film release tradition—romantic dramas and comedies—targets audiences celebrating the holiday.
What are Valentine’s Day releases?
St. Valentine was executed around 269 AD by this method, common for Christian martyrs.
What is beheading?
This Catholic feast on February 14th honors not only Valentine but also this other early martyr in some traditions.
Who is St. Cyril? (In some calendars)
In Wales, lovers exchange carved wooden spoons known by this name.
What are love spoons?
This symbol, often used in texting and social media, has become the digital shorthand for affection.
What is the heart emoji?
St. Valentine is believed to be buried along this major Roman road, home to many early Christian tombs.
What is the Via Flaminia?
This Greek word for self‑sacrificing love is often used in Christian theology and contrasts with romantic eros.
What is agape?
In Italy, couples traditionally attach padlocks to bridges as a symbol of lasting love, calling them this.
What are “love locks”?
This winged figure from classical mythology is often shown with a bow and arrow, symbolizing love’s unpredictability.
Who is Cupid?
Across history, multiple early Christian martyrs named Valentine were honored on February 14th. The most widely celebrated one was a Roman priest, but another—buried on the Via Flaminia—was believed to be this profession, which helped spread Christianity through teaching and public preaching.
What is a bishop? (Specifically, Valentine of Terni, an early Christian bishop.)