Good Bishop Valentine

Valentine’s Day traditions date back to Bishop Valentine, according to USU librarian Noel Carmack. The good bishop was imprisoned by a Roman emperor in 270 A.D. It is believed that Valentine wrote affectionate verses for the jailer’s daughters, who, in turn, brought him small bouquets of flowers. By the 18th century, the practice of giving handmade valentines was well established.

For more information, contact Noel Carmack, preservation librarian, Special Collections & Archives, Utah State University Libraries, 435-797-0892.