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.
Featured Overview
Featured Overview
From the origins of the box of chocolates, to the evolution of Cupid, discover 7 little known facts about Valentine's day, in this episode of History Countdown.
8:44m watch
Mirrorpix via Getty Images
Featured Overview
Featured Overview
From the origins of the box of chocolates, to the evolution of Cupid, discover 7 little known facts about Valentine's day, in this episode of History Countdown.
8:44m watch
Start Here
Start Here
There were multiple St. Valentines (including decapitated ones), but it was a medieval poet who first established the holiday's romantic tradition.
Chocolates and roses are common ways to mark Valentine's Day, but there are other, lesser-known traditions to commemorate the holiday.
These people went far beyond sending cards and chocolates to demonstrate their love.
Rather than expressing love and affection, these cards were designed to offend.
The First Valentine
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.
1:04 watch
Explore All Related Topics
Explore All Related Topics
These people went far beyond sending cards and chocolates to demonstrate their love.
Chocolates and roses are common ways to mark Valentine's Day, but there are other, lesser-known traditions to commemorate the holiday.
While Valentine's Day is shared by lovers sharing time together, one of the first Valentine cards was sent from an enemy prison.
1:04m watch
The couples on this list took dysfunction to historic levels. From Lord Byron and Lady Lamb to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, these are 8 of the worst relationships of all time.
8:35m watch
From the origins of the box of chocolates, to the evolution of Cupid, discover 7 little known facts about Valentine's day, in this episode of History Countdown.
8:44m watch
From Judas to V-J Day to an interracial 'Star Trek' encounter, see which kisses left their mark in history.
Think acronyms are a product of the digital era? Think again.
There were multiple St. Valentines (including decapitated ones), but it was a medieval poet who first established the holiday's romantic tradition.
'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.
History offers various explanations from an ancient species of giant fennel to anatomical drawings in medieval texts.
Valentine’s Day is filled not only with cards, roses and chocolates but plenty of history as well.
And how did he become the unofficial mascot of Valentine's Day?
From poets and presidents to kings and courtesans, find out more about 10 of history's most famous tales of love and loss.
Who was St. Valentine, and why do we celebrate him on February 14? Get the facts about this enigmatic character.
The love between these famous couples really did change the world.
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?
Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th and where do the holiday customs come from?
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Famous Fat Dave creates an unforgettable box of chocolates for his special someone.
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From the first mail-posted Valentine on record in 1806 to some of the precursors to today's Valentines, Nancy Rosin's 10,000 piece collection is a chronicle of the world's social history of love.
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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.
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.
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.
Discover the essence of Valentine's Day: delve into its true meaning, explore its rich history and origins.
From Shakespeare to Aristotle to Dr. Seuss, see how writers through history have expressed the power of love.
