All About Valentine’s Day: Traditions, Symbols, and Celebration Ideas
This month has been dubbed LOVEuary by Hallmark. After all, February 14th is THE romance day of the year.
Romance book sales soar. So do restaurant reservations, flower and candy sales, and Valentine’s card sales.
Overall sales for Valentine’s Day gifts in 2025 totaled 25.7 billion dollars.
- Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day?
In the Roman Catholic, the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches, it’s the day to honor Saint Valentine, who is the patron saint of engaged couples and happily married spouses.
Historical accounts suggest that Saint Valentine, or Saint Valentine of Rome, was a real priest in Rome during the third century AD who provided Christians with sacraments outlawed by the Roman Empire, such as marriage. He was executed on February 14, around the year 269 AD.
Besides marrying Roman soldiers, which led to his execution, Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment, giving them to the soldiers and persecuted Christians to “remind them of God’s love and to encourage them to remain faithful Christians.”
However, in early Christian history, there were several martyrs named Valentine, and scholars still debate the identity of the Saint Valentine who inspired the holiday. Plus, historical details are not well-documented, and the story has been embellished and romanticized over the centuries.
With its roots in Christian tradition and the saint’s martyrdom, February 14th has become a day to express love and affection to one’s romantic partner, pets, friends, and family by exchanging cards, gifts, and gestures of kindness.
Esther A. Howland is the “Mother of the Valentine.” In the 1840s, she used “scraps” to make elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures for family and friends.
She began receiving orders for her custom-made cards and employed family and friends to help create her cards. By the end of the 19th century, most Valentines were mass-produced by machine.
To me, Valentine’s cards are the mirror of romance. Remember classroom Valentine parties? I loved decorating my shoebox to receive the special card from that special someone.
I still collect valentine cards. My ephemera postcard collection has many. While not as elaborate as Ms. Howland’s, these cards speak of romance.
The Greeting Card Association estimates one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year worldwide. Whether homemade or store bought or e-card, Valentine’s cards tell others they are special.
Will you send valentines this year?
