At least three different Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs, are mentioned in the early martyrologies under date of 14 February. One is described as a priest at Rome, another as bishop of Terni, province Umbria, Italy. Both suffered in the second half of the third century and to have been buried on the Flaminian Way at different distances from the city.

Of the third Saint Valentine, who suffered in Africa with a number of companions, nothing further is known.

The popular customs associated with Saint Valentine's Day undoubtedly had their origin in a conventional belief generally received in England and France during the Middle Ages, that on 14 February, i.e. half way through the second month of the year, the birds began to pair.

For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate" is written in a poem "A Parliament of Fowls" known also as"The Parliament of Birds" written by Geiffrey Chaucer (1343?-1400).