In one legend, Valentine was arrested by a judge named Asterius for practicing Christianity. While trying to argue for the validity of Jesus, Asterius brought forward his blind daughter Julia and declared that if Valentine could heal her, he would do whatever Valentine asked. Valentine prayed over Julia who was instantly healed. As a result, Asteriud and his entire household converted to Christianity. Valnetine was later arrested for continuing to preach and was taken before Emperor Claudius II. Claudius enjoyed his conversations with Valentine and even tried to convince him to convert to paganism so his life would be spared. Valentine refused and tried to convert the Emperor himself. At this, the Emperor had him executed. The night before his execution Valentine is said to have written a letter to Julia and signed it “Your Valentine.” This legend is the basis for our current tradition of sending Valentine’s cards. Julia later planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near Valentine’s grave. For this reason, the almond tree is a symbol of love and friendship.
Another popular legend says that Valentine performed secret marriages of Christian soldiers. The Emperor had banned marriages for soldiers as he believed single men made better soldiers. As a bishop, Valentine wore a ring. His ring was made of amethyst and had an image of Cupid carved into it. Cupid was a common symbol of love and was legal in the Roman Empire. Soldiers would see the ring recognized the symbol and asked Valentine to perform their marriages. This is the reason amethyst is the birthstone for February. Valentine would also cut out hearts from parchment and give them to the soldiers as a reminder of their vows and God’s love. This is why the heart had become associated with Valentine’s Day.