Valentine's Day is celebrated worldwide as the day for expressing love for one another presenting valentine's day gifts and cards. The holiday is named after the Early Christian martyr named Valentine. Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves and the figure of the winged Cupid. Opinions differ as to the origin of Valentine's day. Some say that St. Valentine was a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on 14th February 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to lovers. St. Valentine left a note of love for the jailor's daughter, who had become his friend, signing "From Your Valentine". Some said that St. Valentine served as a priest in the church during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Emperor Claudius was a very cruel ruler and during his reign Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. he thought men didnot want to leave their homes and families and thus he cancelled all the marrieges and engagements in Rome. Saint Valentine was a priest at Rome in those days. He aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples and to stop blood shed and wars. For this deed he was punished by the Prefect of Rome who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. And he died on 14th Ferbruary 269 A.D.
The present generation holds the festival in high regard and celebrates the day by expressing love not just to their sweethearts but everyone they hold dear and special. Though there are various traditions and customs associated with the festival, the most popular way of celebrating Valentines Day is by expressing love to sweethearts and dear ones with an exchange of gifts. Some of the most traditional Valentine's Day gifts exchanged between lovers are fresh flowers, chocolates and cards. Jewelry is also fast emerging as the most sought after Valentine's Day gift for women. In the modern technologically advanced age, exchange of text messages between friends and loved ones has become a norm.  Going on dates with beloved is the other major way of celebrating Valentine's Day Festival. Restaurants see a busy time as people celebrate the day of romance with a candle light dinner. People also participate in Valentine's Day dance parties and balls organized by various clubs and hotels. Private parties are also organized in homes and farmhouses where young and the old have a blast. Some couple use the occasion to propose their beloved while some chose to get engaged on the festival that celebrates love and lovers.