• Rome,site of the martyrdom of Saint Valentine.
  His remains rest in a Basilica in the province of Terni.

Persecuted by Claudius, he was cast in jail, condemned to death, where he fell in love with the blind daughter of the jailor Asterius and his faith miraculously restored her sight. Just before his execution he sent her a letter, signed 'your Valentine'.

• The Christian celebration, instituted in Rome, fifth century AD
  The most ancient trail: the celebration of Lupercalia, an annual ritual from 400 BC in the name of the god Lupercus, literally to keep the wolves (lupi) at bay.

Priests (luperci) would travel to the lupercal, the cave where the she-wolf who reared Romulus and Remus lived, and sacrifice animals (two goats and a dog). The blood would be scattered in the streets, to bring fertility and keep the wolves away from the fields.

• So there you have it. Go easy on the chocolate, and enjoy!