Valentine's Day

Every year on February 14, people celebrate St. Valentine’s Day by exchanging cards, candy or flowers with their special "valentine." The holiday, named after a Christian martyr, dates back to the 5th century but has roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia.

Choosing Valentine's Cards

Mirrorpix via Getty Images

Choosing Valentine's Cards

Mirrorpix via Getty Images

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Painting of St. Valentine

Who Was the Real St. Valentine?

There were multiple St. Valentines (including decapitated ones), but it was a medieval poet who first established the holiday's romantic tradition.

A bouquet of snowdrops.

7 Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions

Chocolates and roses are common ways to mark Valentine's Day, but there are other, lesser-known traditions to commemorate the holiday.

Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1632-1654.Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1632-1654. The marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

6 Grand Gestures of Love Through History

These people went far beyond sending cards and chocolates to demonstrate their love.

Victorian-Era ‘Vinegar’ Valentines Could Be Mean and Hostile

Rather than expressing love and affection, these cards were designed to offend.

The First Valentine

History Shorts: The First Valentine

While Valentine's Day is shared by lovers sharing time together, one of the first Valentine cards was sent from an enemy prison.

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Valentine's Day
Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1632-1654.Taj Mahal, Agra, India, 1632-1654. The marble mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

6 Grand Gestures of Love Through History

These people went far beyond sending cards and chocolates to demonstrate their love.

A bouquet of snowdrops.

7 Unique Valentine’s Day Traditions

Chocolates and roses are common ways to mark Valentine's Day, but there are other, lesser-known traditions to commemorate the holiday.

7 Momentous Kisses in History

From Judas to V-J Day to an interracial 'Star Trek' encounter, see which kisses left their mark in history.

WWII Sweethearts ‘Sexted’ With Bawdy Acronyms

Think acronyms are a product of the digital era? Think again.

Painting of St. Valentine

Who Was the Real St. Valentine?

There were multiple St. Valentines (including decapitated ones), but it was a medieval poet who first established the holiday's romantic tradition.

The Dos and Don’ts of 1940s Dating Etiquette

'Mental Hygiene Films' helped guide teens through the tough questions, like how to decide which girl to ask to the carnival and the proper way to end a first date.

Heart shape.

What Is the Origin of the Heart Symbol?

History offers various explanations from an ancient species of giant fennel to anatomical drawings in medieval texts.

American First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy (1929-1994), in a red dress, stands before a dining room table in the White House during the filming of a CBS News Special program called 'A Tour of the White House with Mrs. John F. Kennedy,' Washington, D.C., January 15, 1962.

10 Things You Didn’t Know Happened on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is filled not only with cards, roses and chocolates but plenty of history as well.

Cupid and other cherubs.

Who Is Cupid?

And how did he become the unofficial mascot of Valentine's Day?

History’s Great Romantics

From poets and presidents to kings and courtesans, find out more about 10 of history's most famous tales of love and loss.

Painting of St. Valentine

6 Surprising Facts About St. Valentine

Who was St. Valentine, and why do we celebrate him on February 14? Get the facts about this enigmatic character.

Loving v Virginia, Richard and Mildred Loving

5 Romances That Changed History

The love between these famous couples really did change the world.

How Chocolate Became a Valentine's Day Staple

How Chocolate Became a Valentine’s Day Staple

Is it because of chocolate’s reputed aphrodisiac qualities, or just a way for candy companies to sell more sweets in the lull between Christmas and Easter?

Romantic-in-Chief: Presidential Love Letters, From Adams to Nixon

The world got to see a different side of Richard Nixon when his gushing, ardent love letters went on display at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in 2012. Find out more about these missives as well as other passionate presidents who penned doting dispatches.

(Original Caption) Trumans Drive to Gettysburg. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: President and Mrs. Truman are shown in their small convertible, the President driving, as they made a pilgrimage to the battlefield at Gettysburg today. (July 6).

Great Romances in History

Read about the love and strength that fueled the enduring romances of Bess and Harry Truman, Elizabeth and Robert Browning and Jackie and Rachel Robinson.

HISTORY: Valentine's Day

History of Valentine’s Day

What are the historical origins and meaning of Valentine's Day? Get the facts. Learn how romantic cards and chocolates helped commercialize this day of love.

A box of Valentine's Day chocolates

Valentine’s Day Facts

Discover the essence of Valentine's Day: delve into its true meaning, explore its rich history and origins.

Valentine's Day heart-shaped chocolates, an antique card and roses on a satin background.

Valentine’s Day Quotes

From Shakespeare to Aristotle to Dr. Seuss, see how writers through history have expressed the power of love.