Every year on February 14th, we celebrate Valentine’s Day — also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or, in some places, Friendship Day. Its modern form in European stems from American traditions, but its origins trace back to medieval France and England, where customs grew around Saint Valentine, as well as to an ancient spring festival. Perhaps you’re busy celebrating your loved one right now — or maybe Valentine’s Day isn’t really your thing. Either way, here are ten facts you should know about this holiday!
1 There are several theories about why we celebrate Valentine’s Day…
There are a few different ideas about how Valentine’s Day originated. According to one tradition, the day began when Saint Valentine, a Christian priest, was beheaded for defying the emperor’s order not to marry soldiers. Another late medieval legend claims that Saint Valentine restored the sight of his jailer’s daughter, a story that has found its way into some modern interpretations of the saint.
What is clear, however, is that the celebration of Saint Valentine on February 14th began in the Catholic Church as early as the late 5th century. As for the remaining details and theories — those may have to remain a mystery. [source]
2 Children’s Day in India is celebrated nine months later…
In India, Children’s Day is celebrated on November 14th, exactly nine months after Valentine’s Day. Could it perhaps be because many couples used to conceive around Valentine’s Day? [source]
3 Men and women celebrate separately in Japan…
In Japan, women give chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day. One month later, on March 14th, men return the gesture in what is known as White Day. [source]
4 The Japanese have an unusual way of courting their women…
Speaking of Japan’s celebrations, it’s not uncommon for men to give gummy bears instead of chocolate — custom-made to look like themselves (no, we’re not joking). [source]
5 People used to send mean cards to each other…
During the Victorian era, Americans would send insulting, sarcastic, and mocking Valentine’s cards to one another. This was around the 1840s, long before the holiday became what we recognize today. [source]
6 Want to avoid celebrating Valentine’s Day? Then move here…
If you live in Saudi Arabia, you can forget about celebrating your loved one on February 14th. The holiday is officially banned, and there are even police patrols specifically monitoring the population to ensure no one celebrates the day. [source]
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7 Why the day is associated with romance…
Valentine’s Day is linked to romance because, during the Middle Ages, people believed that birds began to mate in mid-February. In other words, the holiday is quite literally “for the birds“. [source]
8 How Valentine’s Day became so big…
The modern version of Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, originates from American traditions. It began to take off when companies like Hallmark started marketing the holiday to boost sales during February — a month that otherwise had the lowest retail revenue of the year. [source]
9 This is how much chocolate sales spike globally on Valentine’s Day…
Around the world, chocolate sales surge by more than 60% during the week of Valentine’s Day, according to international market reports. In the United States alone, over 58 million pounds of chocolate are purchased for the holiday. Heart-shaped boxes remain the bestselling item, with tens of millions sold every year — making chocolate one of the most iconic Valentine’s gifts worldwide. [source]
10 And yes, Singles’ Day exists too…
On November 11th, a Chinese holiday known as Singles’ Day, was created in the early 1990s as a kind of counterpart to Valentine’s Day. It has since become the largest online shopping day in the world, built around the idea that you should treat yourself to something special. [source]
5 Common Questions About Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th because Saint Valentine was commemorated on this date in early Christian tradition. Over time, medieval beliefs about bird mating season and romantic customs blended with the feast day, creating the modern celebration of love.
Yes — though details are debated. The holiday is linked to Saint Valentine, or possibly multiple martyrs with that name. According to legend, Valentine secretly married couples against Roman orders and was later executed.
Giving gifts became popular because Victorian-era traditions promoted flowers and sweets as symbols of affection. Red roses represent romantic love, while chocolate became a favorite due to marketing campaigns and its association with indulgence.
Yes, but in different ways. Many countries celebrate with romantic gifts, while places like Japan and South Korea have unique customs where women give chocolates first, and men reciprocate on White Day. Some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have restrictions or bans.
Some criticize the holiday for being overly commercialized, driven by companies promoting gifts and spending. Others simply feel it creates pressure or excludes those who aren’t in a relationship. Still, many enjoy it as a day to express appreciation and love.
