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. The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Fowls,” writing, “For this was sent on Seynt 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 Pope Gelasius declared Feb. 14 as St. Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, and the rest is this history. "In 1847, Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts, first introduced Valentine's Day to the The origin of Valentine’s Day is a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and cultural evolution. From the legend of Saint Valentine and the ancient festival of Lupercalia to the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer and the rise of commercialized celebrations, February 14th has become a day dedicated to love and affection. 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. Updated February 14 The Valentine’s Day origin can be traced back to ancient Roman celebrations, specifically the Festival of Lupercalia. This festival, which took place from February 13 to 15, was primarily a celebration of fertility and purification. In a 1981 academic article, the late University of Kansas English professor Jack B. Oruch argued that Chaucer's 1375 poem “Parlement of Foules” was the first to record St. Valentine's Day as a In 1913 Hallmark Cards produced their first Valentine’s card, representing a key development in the commercialisation of Valentine’s Day. Valentine cards with a golfing theme, 1911. The left card was for the US market, the right card for the British market. Valentine's Day always falls on February 14, meaning that the day of the week varies year on year. In 2025, Valentine's Day will fall on a Friday for the first time since 2020. Where did it come The origin of Valentine's Day might surprise you – here's what to know From a Roman festival to Christian martyrs to a medieval celebration of spring, we explore the origins By Taysha Murtaugh and Terri Robertson Published: 30 January 2025 36 gifts perfect for your first Valentine's Day together. These gifts are perfect for saying "I like you." Holidays. Holidays. 29 heart-shaped foods — beyond chocolate — to buy for your Valentine. 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 Learn about St. Valentine's Day origins, the unlikely place the first valentine came from, why we say 'wear your heart on your sleeve' and more. Valentine’s Day is filled with fun traditions, including decorating with paper hearts, trying heart-shaped food recipes, coloring everything red and pink, and giving Valentine’s Day gifts for 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 Let them know you like him/her more than you originally planned! This fun and sweet card is also a great complement to the gift. This Turns Out I Like You Card is perfect as a boyfriend Card, girlfriend Card, birthday Card, friendship Card, Valentines Day Card, anniversary Card or new relationship Card. The first Valentine's Day card dates to 1415 when the Duke of Orléans sent a card to his wife while he was he was a prisoner in the Tower of London. In the United States, Valentine’s Day cards 10 Recipes We’re Making for Valentine’s Day, From Creamy Miso-Garlic Pasta to Chocolate Mousse. Skip the crowded restaurant and make these editor-approved dinners, drinks, and desserts at home.
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