The lore of Valentine's Day traces its way back to ancient Rome . For centuries, couples have shown their affection by exchanging everything from the traditional to the exceptional.Valentine's Day is observed from Mexico to the Philippines. But which country recently clipped Cupid's wings?
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day, is an annual commemoration held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The day is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 500 AD.
It was deleted from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI, but its religious observance is still permitted. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.
Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.
Valentine's Day jewelry cards
Valentine's Day candy
Valentine's Day candy
Valentine's Day jewelry
Date night
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Valentine's gifts for her
Valentine's gifts for him
More romantic Valentine gestures