"Valentine's day originated in ancient Rome. Boys drew girls' names from a love urn on a special day in February. The custom has continued through the centuries and is now linked with the feast of St. Valentine, a bishop of Rome who was martyred on February 14, 270 A.D.

In the sixteenth century, the paper Valentine began, with its sentimental verses. By 1880 delicate lace paper was added to the verses. And now all types of Valentine cards are exchanged, from the love-filled to the comic contemporary." Complete Holiday Cookbook