During the third century, in early Rome, before the introduction of Christianity the pagans celebrated Lupercalia. This was a ritual feast celebrated every year to honor the god Lupercus, Gaurdian of the flocks. He was said to protect the livestock from the surrounding wolves. Also during Lupercalia, but in honor of the goddess Juno Februata, the names of young women were put into a box and names were drawn by lot. The boys and girls who were matched would be considered partners for the year, which began in March.
This continued on until the introduction of Christianity. The church officials changed the name to St. Valentine's Day. To give the celebration further meaning and eliminate pagan traditions, priests substituted the drawing of Saints names for the names of the girls. On St. Valentine's Day the priest placed saint's names into an urn or box. The young people then drew a name from the container. In the following year, the youth was supposed to emulate the life of the saint whose name he had drawn.
The name St. Valentine originates from a priest alive during the rule of Emperor Claudius. Claudius was heavily recruiting men to serve as soldiers for his wars without much success. The men preferred not to leave their wives and families to fight in foreign lands. Claudius became angry and declared that no more marriages could be performed and all engagements were canceled. St Valentine felt this was wrong and secretly wed couples. When Claudius found out, he threw Valentine in prison where he died. Friends of the priest retrieved his body and buried it in a churchyard in Rome.
So now you know. There are other theories about the origins of St. Valentine, but that is the most concrete idea. I find it interesting that this holiday has now become such a commercial celebration, though most every other celebration has as well.
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