here are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries.

　　關于情人節的起源有許多種說法。有關人士認為情人節是一個名叫桑特 瓦倫丁的人士發起的。他是羅馬人，因為拒絕放棄____而于公元前269年2月14日慘遭殺害，這一天也正好是全城盛行彩票抽獎的日子。

　　Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

　　而另外一種說法更具有傳奇色彩，相傳桑特 瓦倫丁曾留下一本日記給了獄卒的女兒，署名為“你的情人”，據說這名獄卒的女兒就是桑特 瓦倫丁的情人。還有其它的說法也頗為有趣。比如說有人認為在克勞迪亞斯君王統治時期，桑特 瓦侖丁曾經是一名神父，因為公然挑戰克勞迪亞斯君王的權威身陷囹圄。所以公元前496年羅馬教皇格萊西亞斯特意將2月14日作為一個特別的日子以紀念桑特 瓦倫丁。

　　Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

　　此后2月14日就成為了一個具有特殊意義的日子。在這天人們向自己心儀的人傳遞信息以示愛意。而理所當然的桑特 瓦侖丁也就成為了為戀愛中的男女們牽線搭橋的人。在2月14日這天人們會特意做詩或者用一些小禮物送給自己心愛的人。而且人們還會組織各種各樣的聚會來慶祝這個特殊的節日。