It seems that the ancient Christian Romans had something to do with it, dating as far back as the 3rd century AD.

Romans held the parties of all parties, a festival on February 15th, called Lupercalia, in honour of the Roman god Lupercus.

One of the traditions of Lupercalia was for young men to draw the names of young women who would become their sweethearts for the duration of the festival, sometimes even for the whole year!

But then a Roman priest named Valentine risked all for love…

Legend has it that Valentine secretly married young soldiers to their betrothed. This was at a time when Roman Emperor Claudius forbade them to marry for fear they would object to fighting in his wars.

Valentine was caught and sentenced to death on February 14th, the night before the Lupercalia festival.

He made a love connection himself, before death, when he fell for a prison guard's daughter. Supposedly, just before his public torture, he left a note for the young girl thanking her for the time she spent with him and signed it "from your Valentine."

Then they chopped his head off.

Eventually he became the patron saint for romance. Isn’t that romantic?

6 Things to do if Valentine’s Day isn’t your cup of tea...

Valentine's Day can be a tough day for those who don’t have someone to share it with. So here are a few tips on what to do this Valentine's if you're not going to be celebrating Valentine's Day but still want to make the day special...

1) Take the afternoon off and indulge in your passion.
 
Visit an art gallery you have always wanted to explore; escape to your favourite museum. Meet a friend at a fancy hotel for tea. Stop by that trendy café you have always wanted to visit and linger over a cappuccino...

2) Give in to your cravings for those sinful sweets.
 
Stop by a pastry shop and buy the biggest French pastry you can find. Or have a chocolate fix. Buy yourself a gift basket filled with your favourite chocolate goodies.

3) Look out for events and venues running Valentine’s nights for singles.

Your local newspaper is generally the best place to look (the Tonight section of the Star in particular!)

4) Pamper yourself with an aromatherapy bath or have a massage.

Treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the bathtub filled with fragrant bath oil. Or spend the afternoon at a day spa, being spoilt.

5) Purchase a ‘Splurge’ gift.
 
Buy yourself something that you wouldn’t normally. Perhaps it’s the designer jacket you’ve always wanted; a new iPod; a beautiful designer scarf.

6) Do something nice for someone else.
 
You may not have a romantic other in your life right now, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have people you care about, or who care about you. So think of the person who you think deserves a special gesture, and send them a basket of goodies.

In the name of wealth, happiness and success!
 

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential