When is Valentine's Day? How the holiday became a celebration of love (and gifts).

No matter the season, love is something that can be celebrated throughout the year. There is, however, one special day dedicated to the emotion.

Valentine's Day is devoted to showing affection toward those you love. Whether you're giving bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes or candies; the holiday reminds friends, family and romantic partners to show some extra appreciation.

But how did Valentine's Day come to be? The holiday and its origins weren't always so lovey-dovey. Here is a history lesson on Valentine's Day, plus when it takes place in 2024.

When is Valentine's Day 2024?

This year, Valentine's Day falls on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

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How did Valentine's Day start?

The Valentine's Day we know – full of love, candy and flowers – is very different from the holiday at its origin. Its roots derive from Christianity, the History Channel reports. There have been multiple St. Valentines, so it is unclear who is the true namesake for the holiday. 

One Valentine was a priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II after the ruler outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine would perform marriages in secret for young lovers, ultimately leading to his death. 

Another Valentine, St. Valentine of Terni, was a bishop who was beheaded by Emperor Claudius. Many believe he is the namesake behind the holiday, according to the History Channel.

There are many other legends of "St. Valentine," including one of an imprisoned saint sending the first "valentine" greeting after falling in love with a young girl who often visited him. Before his death, the saint allegedly wrote her a letter signed: "From your Valentine." 

While the true story of Valentine's Day remains a mystery, most portray the saint as a heroic, kind and romantic person. 

Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day?

Despite its less-than-romantic origins, February 14 is now known as a day for love. This began during the Middle Ages when it was believed the date marked the beginning of birds' mating season.

Another reason behind the date could be the pagan celebration Lupercalia, which fell on February 15, the History Channel reports. Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture Faunus, as well as to Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

During the festival, priests would sacrifice animals for fertility and purification. The sacrificial blood would then be spread to women's bodies to make them more fertile in the next year. 

The Church sought to "Christianize" the holiday and used St. Valentine as its catalyst. By the late fifth century, Pope Gelasius I eliminated Lupercalia celebrations and dedicated Feb. 14 to the martyrdom of the saint, according to the History Channel.

Years later, in 1375, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote the "Parliament of Foules," which was the first poem to record Valentine's Day: 

"For this was sent on Seynt Valentynes day / Whan every foul cometh ther to chese his make."

The exchange of small gifts or cards on Valentine's Day between friends and lovers became commonplace around the 18th century. As printing technology improved in the 1900s, printed cards were the norm to show affection.

The well-known and ever-popular Hallmark card was first introduced in 1910 when Hallmark founder J.C. Hall sold postcards for Valentine's Day. In 1912, the company switched over to greeting cards and the company's first official Valentine's Day cards hit store shelves in 1916.  

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