Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, is a day dedicated to expressing love and affection. Originating as a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine, the holiday has evolved into a global celebration of romance, friendship, and admiration. People mark the occasion by exchanging cards, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt messages with loved ones.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: February 14 every year.
- Tagged as: A celebration of love, romance, and affection.
- What’s the hashtag?: #ValentinesDay
- When was it founded?: The association with love began in the 14th century.
- Who founded it?: The Catholic Church established the feast day to honor Saint Valentine.
History of Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day trace back to ancient Rome’s festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I replaced this pagan festival with St. Valentine’s Day to honor Christian martyrs named Valentine. The association with romantic love emerged in the Middle Ages, thanks to English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. By the 18th century, the holiday included traditions like exchanging love notes and gifts.
Timeline
- 3rd Century: Saint Valentine defied Roman Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples.
- 496 AD: Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day.
- 14th Century: Geoffrey Chaucer linked the day to courtly love.
- 18th Century: Valentine’s cards and gifts became common in England.
- 19th Century: Mass-produced valentines gained popularity in the U.S.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 14 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 14 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | February 14 | Thursday |
Observed
Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with various traditions. In Western countries, couples exchange cards, flowers (especially roses), chocolates, and jewelry. In Japan, women give chocolates to men, while South Korea celebrates both Valentine’s Day and White Day (March 14). The Philippines is known for mass weddings on this date.
Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day
- Around 145 million valentines are exchanged annually in the U.S., making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas.
- Over 250 million roses are grown for Valentine’s Day each year.
- Teachers receive the most valentines compared to any other group.
- The first Valentine’s letter was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans.
- Cupid, often depicted as a chubby cherub with arrows, originates from Roman mythology as the god of desire.
Quiz
- What Roman festival is considered a precursor to Valentine’s Day?
- Who is credited with popularizing Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday?
- How many roses are typically exchanged on Valentine’s Day?
- What country celebrates National Chocolate Day on February 14?
(Answers: Lupercalia; Geoffrey Chaucer; 250 million; Ghana)
FAQs
- Why is Cupid associated with Valentine’s Day?
Cupid is the Roman god of love whose arrows make people fall in love. - What are common Valentine’s gifts?
Popular gifts include flowers (roses), chocolates, jewelry, and greeting cards. - Is Valentine’s Day a public holiday?
No, it’s not a public holiday in most countries. - Can single people celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Absolutely! Many celebrate friendships or self-love on this day.
Related
- Galentine’s Day (February 13)
- White Day (March 14)
- National Chocolate Day (Ghana)
- International Friendship Day