Learning the history of Valentine’s Day gives the day more meaning, and knowing the Valentine's Day history facts behind the gifts we give can make them feel even more special.
The Legend of Saint Valentine
According to legend, Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, but Saint Valentine secretly married couples, defying the decree. He was imprisoned, healed the blind daughter of his captor, and converted the household to Christianity. Before his execution, he sent a letter to the girl, signing it "Your Valentine," which is believed to have inspired the romantic spirit of Valentine’s Day.

Establishing When is Valentine's Day
The story of Saint Valentine’s selfless acts sparked a global tradition of love and romance. The history of Valentine’s Day suggests that it was first celebrated in the middle of February to honor the day of Saint Valentine’s death. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius officially established when is Valentine's Day on February 14th.
Check out these 5 Tips for Getting Married in Mexico.

Valentine’s Day Cards
By the 1700s, exchanging Valentine’s Day cards was common. Still, in the 1840s, Esther A. Howland revolutionized the tradition by selling the first mass-produced valentines in the U.S. Today, Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday in the U.S., with an estimated 145 million cards sent annually.

Giving Bouquets
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite's foot pricked a rosebush, turning its white petals red as she rushed to save Adonis, making the red rose a symbol of romantic love. During the Victorian era, sending flowers with symbolic meanings became popular, reinforcing the connection between red roses and Valentine’s Day.

Heart-Shaped Chocolate Boxes
Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates became an iconic Valentine’s Day gift when Richard Cadbury, in Victorian England, created solid chocolate designed for eating and packaged it in heart-shaped boxes. This tradition has continued, with brands like Cadbury still offering heart-shaped boxes as a popular Valentine’s Day gift.
From the legend of Saint Valentine to the traditions of exchanging cards, flowers, and chocolates, Valentine’s Day is a time to honor love in all its forms.