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. Nothing says Valentine’s Day like a bouquet of colorful fresh flowers for your significant other.

Understanding the Context

Of course, you can always just pick up whatever blooms you see first at the grocery store, but it can ... Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, [1] is celebrated annually on February 14. [2] . Valentine’s Day, holiday observed annually February 14, on which lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts.

Key Insights

Valentine’s Day did not come to be celebrated as a day of romance until about the 14th century. Saint Valentine (Italian: Valentino; Latin: Valentinus) was a 3rd-century Roman saint, commemorated in Western Christianity on February 14 and in Eastern Orthodoxy on July 6. From the High Middle Ages, his feast day has been associated with a tradition of courtly love. Key Summary: The exact origin of Valentine’s Day is unknown, but the holiday’s name and date come from the martyrdom of St. Valentine, a third-century priest.

Final Thoughts

Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 as a time to acknowledge love and affection in many forms. The observance is widely celebrated with cards, gifts, and other thoughtful gestures. Wondering about Valentine's Day history and how the holiday got started? Here's everything to know about its origins, including traditions like giving cards.