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Valentine’s Day has a well-deserved reputation for being excessively commercial; in 2016, the National Retail Federation estimated that people in the U.S. would spend $19.7 billion on the Valentine’s Day is named after St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, beekeepers, and epileptics. Little is known of St. Valentine, and there’s dispute as to whether he was one person. Multiple historical figures were named Valentine or Valentinus, the two most likely candidates being martyrs beheaded on February 14 around 270 A.D. for Hallmark Cards (founded in 1907) sold Valentine’s Day gift cards in 1910; however, the decline in postcards’ popularity led them towards the creation of Valentine’s Day cards in 1913 "Valentine’s Day is returning to its romantic traditions, with total spending on significant others for the holiday expected to reach a record $14.2 billion in 2024," according to the annual Valentine’s Day gifting trends 2025: Consumer spending is shifting towards personalised, experience-driven, and sustainable gifts. Discover key trends and how brands are adapting. The evolution of Valentine's Day also tells the story of many societal changes as well, from the effects of industrialization (which enabled the widespread printing of cards and commercialization) to shifting ideas of romance and courtship to economics shifts (which introduced a new middle class and transformed the motivations behind marriage The hospitality industry also sees a significant uptick around Valentine’s Day, with many restaurants and hotels offering special packages and experiences to attract couples looking to celebrate. According to OpenTable, the number of reservations made for Valentine’s Day dinner increases by approximately 20% compared to an average day The Modern Valentine. Valentine’s Day has become increasingly commercialized over the years as businesses have seized the opportunity to market products and services related to the holiday. The impact that Valentine’s Day has on the economy is incredibly permeating. In 2019, more than $20.7 billion was spent. For example, this year, it's expected that Valentine's Day celebrations will generate almost $19 billion in economic activity, or $142.31 for the average American, according to the National Retail The aftermath of Valentine's Day often leaves many consumers grappling with financial strain. Overspending on gifts, lavish dinners, and romantic getaways can wreak havoc on budgets already St. Valentine, a name that is synonymous with love and romance across the globe, lived at a time when the Roman Empire was at its zenith. He is often best remembered for the act of marrying couples in secret defiance of the Roman Emperor's bans. However, the truth about St. Valentine is far more complex, woven from a mixture of historical fragments, religious tradition, and folklore. This has Valentine’s Day, in fact, originated as a liturgical feast to celebrate the decapitation of a third-century Christian martyr, or perhaps two. So, how did we get from beheading to betrothing on Valentine’s Day? Early origins of St. Valentine. Ancient sources reveal that there were several St. Valentines who died on Feb. 14. Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate romance and love and kissy-face fealty. But the ancient Romans had bloodier, drunker and more naked notions to mark the occasion. Here's a look back at the history of Valentine's Day: When is Valentine's Day 2025? Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. What day Key points. Valentine’s Day celebrates all forms of love—romantic, familial, and platonic—not just romance. Its origins stem from ancient Roman festivals and Christian traditions honoring St Valentine’s Day was widely celebrated in Great Britain in the 17th century. By the 1800s, sending and receiving letters and gifts on Valentine’s Day became a common practice. Valentine’s Day is the holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. It may have had beginnings in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated the coming of spring and included fertility rites and other activities, but the origin of the holiday is vague at best. At the end of the day, Valentine's Day stands as a far gentler event than the ancient Lupercalia. We see it through the lens of heart emojis and carefully curated dates. But the essence remains. We seek love, belonging, and renewal. We come together in big or small ways to affirm that life carries hope. Here's a look back at the history of Valentine's Day: When is Valentine's Day 2025? Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. What day The tradition of giving red roses on Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the Victorian era when the language of flowers (floriography) was popular. Red roses symbolize love and passion. How is Valentine’s Day celebrated around the world? Valentine’s Day is celebrated in various ways worldwide.
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