Saint Valentine was killed on Feb. 14, 269 A.D., for defending Christianity. On the day of his execution, he wrote a letter to his love, which ended in, “from your Valentine.” Over time the holiday has become a celebration of love and companionship — commitment and romance are implied when a sweetheart says, “Be my Valentine.”

Still today, the meaning of the holiday is evolving. For many, Valentine’s Day implies dollar signs. For others it threatens culture and custom or typifies religious encroachment into government.

While the average American enjoys cards and sweets on Valentine’s Day, the holiday is a serious matter for businesses.

Each year companies across North America spend a great deal of money on advertising in order to earn a portion of the over $13 billion Americans spend each year on Valentine’s Day, according to the National Retail Federation.

Market analysts are so fascinated by the holiday that they ask all sorts of survey questions to a wide variety of target markets. For example, the International Carwash Association surveyed 770 car owners before Valentine’s Day. Over 10 percent of them said they loved their car more than their significant other.

Surveys like these help businesses target special markets. Commercials and ads then affect how Americans view the holiday. Some people theorize that Valentine’s Day is one great conspiracy to stimulate the U.S. economy.

“Valentine’s Day is a conspiracy of retailers and media. It gives the media more scope to run spicy items and shops another excuse for campaigns to drum up business,” said Chinese journalist Mr. Yu, in China Today. Yu fears American commercialism may have adverse effects on the world.

In other parts of the world, this holiday threatens moral and cultural standards. In 2001 for instance, police made raids throughout Malaysia on Valentine’s Day, arresting 208 couples.

Most of the associated charges were laid under the country’s 1995 Crime Enactment Code, which prohibits khalwat — “a situation in which persons other than spouses or blood relations are found in any secluded place which may give rise to the suspicion that they are engaged in an immoral act.” Sixty couples were found cuddling or kissing and were ordered to get counseling, according to Asian Political News.

Some conspiracy theorists here in the United States believe Valentine’s Day is a tool to bring religion into schools. One example among many is the Valentine’s Day ban in Hillsborough, N.J., schools.

Since Valentine’s Day is named for St. Valentine, it was too religious for the school district, and the distribution of Valentine’s cards was not allowed. Instead the schools celebrated “special person day” and special person cards were exchanged.

The school board is now easing restrictions and allowing schools to put Valentine’s Day on their calendars.

The meaning of Valentine’s Day is different for everyone. Many people believe there is some kind of hidden message behind those red and pink hearts that are exchanged so liberally between friends and loved ones.

But the real meaning of Valentine’s Day is simple. It’s a special opportunity to say you care. This Valentine’s Day should be greeted with phone calls to mothers and kisses to lovers. Gifts are irrelevant. As Paul McCartney said, “I don’t care too much for money; money can’t buy me love.”