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Valentine’s Day

Each year on February 14, people exchange cards, candy or flowers with their special “valentine.” St. Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia.

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HISTORY: Valentine's Day

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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.

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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 celebrated writers throughout history have been inspired by the enduring power of love.

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Sketch of the Lupercalia festival of ancient Rome, undated, by Sir James Thornhill

Lupercalia

Lupercalia was an ancient pagan festival held each year in Rome around February 14. It is considered a precursor to Valentine’s Day.

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A box of Valentine's Day chocolates

Valentine’s Day Facts

Learn about St. Valentine’s Day origins, the unlikely place the first valentine came from, why we say ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ and more.

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History of Valentine's Day

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3:46 minTV-14
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Hand Made Chocolate

Famous Fat Dave creates an unforgettable box of chocolates for his special someone.

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3:06 minTV-G

History of Valentine’s Day

Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th and where do the holiday customs come from?

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3:07 minTV-PG

Valentine’s Day Quotations

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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1:03 minTV-PG

History Shorts: The First Valentine

While Valentine’s Day is commonly celebrated by lovers spending time together, one of the first Valentine’s messages was sent by a solitary 15th‑century prisoner.

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Stories

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

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

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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.

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Cupid and other cherubs.

Who Is Cupid?

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

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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

From building a stunning mausoleum to writing legendary verses and symphonies, some have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their love.

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