The History of Valentine's Day

Contrary to popular belief, Valentine's Day didn't start as a commercial holiday. It originated as a Roman festival called Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility and paired women with men by lottery.

Saint Valentine, the day's namesake, is shrouded in mystery. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

The oldest known Valentine's Day message in English was written in 1477. By the 1500s, written Valentine's had become common, and by the 1700s, commercially printed cards were circulating in England.

It's not just a metaphor! February marks the mating season for many bird species, which led to the notion that Valentine's Day is a special day for romance and affection.

In Japan, Valentine's Day has a unique tradition where women give chocolates to men. Men reciprocate with gifts on White Day, celebrated exactly one month later.

The heart symbol was first associated with love in the Middle Ages. But it wasn’t until the 15th century that it became commonplace to represent romantic love and affection.

Approximately 145 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas. Candy, flowers, and jewelry are also top gifts.

Cupid, the symbol of love, was originally a Roman god of erotic desire and chaos, known as Eros in Greek mythology.