Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated every February 14; this year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, [1] is celebrated annually on February 14. [2] It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine , and through later folk traditions it has also become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in Here's a look back at the history of Valentine's Day: The first commercial valentines in the United States were printed in the 1840s thanks to Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine’s Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century. ( Read Britannica’s essay “Why Do We Give Valentine Cards?” Why the history of Valentine's Day is so complicated Learn how St. Valentine, an ancient Roman festival, and the poet Geoffrey Chaucer all contribute to the history of Valentine's Day. Valentine’s Day is a massive holiday celebrated on February 14 in the US as well as other places in the world. People commemorate the day by exchanging flowers, greeting cards, chocolates and other gifts with their loved ones. While the first known Valentine’s Day card was printed in 1849 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the first commercially printed Valentine was released in 1913. Because of this, and to limit the scope of the history a bit to keep this short and sweet, I’ll be focusing on how Americans may have celebrated Valentine’s Day for the past 100 years.* The origins of Valentine’s Day are pretty obscure. While scholars generally agree that the holiday was popularized in the 1840s in the U.K. and U.S., the specific historical roots of the Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, and the rest is this history. New strain in Calif. Get the USA TODAY app Start the day smarter ☀️ 🐍Year of the Snake Discover the essence of Valentine's Day: delve into its true meaning, explore its rich history and origins. By: History.com Editors Updated: February 14, 2024 | Original: October 27, 2009 Everyone loves a good love story, but the history of Valentine's Day is a bit different from the romanticized version of the holiday recognized today. While February 14 is widely celebrated with sweet Valentine's Day treats , heartfelt Valentine's Day gifts , and romantic dinners , few people are familiar with the holiday's true origins. Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, and the rest is this history. By the early 1910s, an American company that would one day become Hallmark began distributing its more official "Valentine's Day cards." The rest, as they say, is history. Universal Images Group / Getty Images Valentine's Day history: From pagan origins to endless promotions, with a little love The origins of Valentine's Day remain shrouded in mystery, though some theories have grown to be widely Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, has a rich history that traces back centuries, but its roots in the USA tell a fascinating story of cultural adoption and evolution. How did this day of love and romance become such an integral part of American culture? The history of Valentine's Day can be traced back to ancient Roman and Christian traditions, evolving over centuries into the celebration of love and affection that we recognize today. Despite its commercialization, many people view Valentine's Day as an opportunity to express their love and appreciation for their partners, friends, and family members. Pagan Origins Valentine's Day has quite the history. Learn about why we celebrate Valentine's Day, the meaning of the holiday, when Valentine's Day is this year, why Valentine's Day is on February 14, and more. The History of Valentine's Day, and Why We Celebrate Valentine’s Day may be associated with romance, but the history of the holiday isn’t exactly lovey-dovey. Here are the facts you may not know—plus, fun ideas for Valentine's Day . Whether you love Valentine's Day or hate it, one thing is clear: The holiday goes way back. 4. Cupid has roots in Greek mythology. Watch out around Valentine’s Day, or else you may be struck by Cupid’s arrow. According to Ti me, the ubiquitous cherub can be traced back to 700 B.C.In Celebrating Valentine’s Day in the United States comes with multiple go-to practices. Offering a bouquet of red roses to your beloved. Purchasing a card with a heartfelt message. Sharing a
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