You're the Balm Free Printable Valentines

Valentine's Day, the day of celebrating love, is said to come from the legend of St. Valentine. In the second century, Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriages in order to draft single men into the army. Valentine performed marriages anyway and was martyred for his defiance. The Christian inspiration of Valentine's Day is intertwined with the pagan festival of Lupercalia, which also occurred in February.

No matter the exact origins of the holiday, it has become a day to show our loved ones that we care about them. Tokens of love like notes and candies are often given. The first Valentine's Day card was sent in 1415 from the Duke of Orleans to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac. The tradition of Valentine cards was popular elsewhere in Europe, too. With the emergence of England's first postal service, everyone could send cards and letters, especially on Valentine's Day. The tradition moved with English immigrants to the U.S., and mass production of Valentine's Day cards started in the 1900s.

Sources:

• "Cupid, chocolates, and red roses: Valentine's traditions explained" from USA Today
• "Valentine's Day: Why Do We Celebrate It?" from National Geographic.