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Where does Valentine's Day come from?

Where does Valentine's Day come from?
We either look forward to it and celebrate it or treat it as a joke and ignore it – February 14th both divides the country and brings it together at the same time. Valentine's Day is the day for those in love and those who wish they were. If there's a “World Amateur Radio Day”, shouldn't there at least be a “Love Day” too?
While two-legged friends often have trouble finding gifts for one another, you can find a large selection of gifts to indulge the palate, mind and (play) spirit of Rover, Kitty and Tweety at your local Maxi Zoo store. Pets are always happy to have a bit of extra attention and love, a healthy treat or a new bed – even when they have no idea what Valentine’s Day means.
Our animal friends are not alone – nobody really knows where the tradition of Valentine’s Day comes from. Valentine’s Day takes its name from the Christian Saint Valentine of Terni, who secretly married pairs who were not allowed to wed according to the laws of the day in the 3rd century AD. It is said that the wedding ceremonies he performed took place under a lucky star. One of the first bishops of Passau, Valentine of Rhaetia, is also traditionally remembered in spring. The stories of the two saints have become more and more intertwined.
Traditional customs have always been combined with the widest variety of traditions typical in different countries. In England, Valentines couples have been giving each other presents since the 15th century. In Japan, women give their husbands (and male colleagues!) chocolate on February 14th and can expect white chocolate in return in March. Italian couples lock a padlock onto something near water and throw the key in the water for happiness in love. Finns, on the other hand, celebrate Valentine's Day rather unromantically as a day of friendship.
Valentine’s Day became popular in Germany around 1950, a development that the flower industry welcomed and promoted through advertising. Whatever your opinion of Valentine’s Day, enjoy it together with your nearest and dearest two and four-legged friends!