The 'real' St. Valentine was no patron of love
- Written by Lisa Bitel, Professor of History & Religion, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
![The 'real' St. Valentine was no patron of love](https://images.theconversation.com/files/205774/original/file-20180209-51703-10w4gt5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip)
On Feb. 14, sweethearts of all ages will exchange cards, flowers, candy, and more lavish gifts in the name of St. Valentine. But as a historian of Christianity, I can tell you that at the root of our modern holiday is a beautiful fiction. St....