Valentine’s Day 2022
Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of Valentine’s Day, from the ancient Roman ritual of Lupercalia that welcomed spring to the card-giving customs of Victorian England.

The Legend of St. Valentine
The history of Valentine’s Day—and the story of its patron saint—is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Best Corny Valentine’s Day Jokes
- “What do you write in a slug’s Valentine’s Day card?” “Be my Valen-slime!”
- “What did the paper clip say to the magnet?” “I find you very attractive.”
- “Why did the husband get his wife a kitten for Valentine’s Day?” “He thought it was the purrfect present.
- “What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day?” “I’m stuck on you!”
- “Why didn’t the skeleton want to send any Valentine’s Day cards?” “His heart wasn’t in it.”
- “What’s Cupid’s favorite band?” “Kiss!”
- “Why did the sheriff lock up their valentine?” “She stole their heart.”
- “What do you call two birds in love?” “Tweethearts!”
- “What did the scientist say to her valentine?” “I think of you periodically.”
- “How can you tell when a squirrel is in love?” “It goes nuts!”
- “I thought I won the argument with my wife as to how to arrange the dining room furniture. But when I got home the tables were turned.”
- “I once fell in love with someone who only knew 4 vowels. They didn’t know I existed.”
- “What did the calculator say to the pencil?” “You can count on me.”
- “How did the telephone propose to his girlfriend?” “He gave her a ring!”
- “What did one oar tell the other oar?” “This is so row-mantic!”
- “What did the light bulb say to the other light bulb?” “You light my world up.”
- “How can you get arrested on Valentine’s Day?” “For stealing someone’s heart.”
Best Valentine’s Day Joke Puns
- “What did one watermelon say to the other?” “You’re one in a melon!”
- “What do you call a very small Valentine?” “A valen-tiny.”
- “What did the ghost say to his valentine?” “You look so BOOtiful.”
- “If he doesn’t appreciate your fruit jokes, you need to let that mango.”
- “What do farmers give for Valentine’s Day?” “Lots of hogs and kisses.”
- “What do you call a Valentine’s Day gift that didn’t arrive time?” “Choco-late.”
- “What did one bee say to the other?” “I love bee-ing with you, honey!”
- “What did one volcano say to the other?” “I lava you.”
- “What did one blueberry say to the other on Valentine’s Day?” “I love you berry much.”
- “What did the cucumber say to the pickle?” “You mean a great dill to me.”
- “What did one cat say to the other cat on Valentine’s Day?” “You’re purr-fect for me.”
- “What did one sheep say to the other on February 14?” “I love ewe.”
- “How much candy do you hope to get this Valentine’s Day?” “A choco-LOT!”
- “What did one flame say to another on Valentine’s Day?” “We’re a perfect match.”
- “How did the phone propose to his GF?” “He gave her a ring.”
- “How did the whale ask the other whale on a Valentine’s date?” “Whale you be mine?”
- “What do you call a ghost’s sweetheart?” “A ghoul-friend.”
Jokes about valentine’s day
- “Knock knock.” “Who’s there?” “Olive.” “Olive who?” “Olive you!”
- “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Peas.” “Peas who?” “Peas be mine!”
- “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Butch, Jimmy and Joe.” “Butch, Jimmy, and Joe who?” “Butch your arms around me, Jimmy a kiss, and let’s Joe.”
- “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Disguise.” “Disguise who?” “Disguise is your boy friend!”
- “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Howard.” “Howard who?” “Howard you like a big kiss?”
- “Knock, knock.” “Who’s there?” “Bea.” “Bea who?” “Bea my Valentine!”
. Who always has a date on Valentine’s Day? A calendar.
2. What Valentine’s message can you find in a honeycomb? “Bee mine.”
3. Which new Taylor Swift tune is the best couple’s song for two ghosts to share? “Invisible String.”
4. How did the coin propose to his girlfriend? He gave her a jingle.
5. What did one Hershey’s bar say to the other who arrived long past their date time? “You’re choco-late.”
Related: 100 Unique Valentine’s Day Gifts
6. Why are artichokes so beloved? They’re known for their hearts.
7. What did the love-obsessed candle say when it was lit? “I found the perfect match!”
8. What do you call a colorful heart that loves books? “Well-red.”
9. How did the orca ask the other to be their Valentine? “Whale you be mine?”
10. Why did the magnet hit on the refrigerator? He found her to be very attractive.
11. What’s the best recipe for a perfect morning on February 14? A hug and a quiche.
12. What did one piece of toast say to the other? “You’re my butter half!”
13. Why didn’t the two dogs make serious Valentine’s Day plans? It was just puppy love.
14. Why did the dad approve of his daughter’s goalie-boyfriend? He was a real keeper.
15. When do bed bugs fall in love? In the spring.
16. How did one Bloody Mary share their strong feelings with another? “Olive you.”
17. What do you call two sparrows who just got engaged? “Lovebirds.”
18. Why were the forks disappointed on Valentine’s Day? All they wanted to do was spoon.
19. What is it called when your aunt went off to get married on V-Day? Antelope.
20. What’s the most romantic ship? Courtship.
21. What did the pickle say to the other on Valentine’s Day? “You’re a big dill to me.”
22. How did the cashew share its feelings with the almond? “I’m nuts about you.”
23. How did the two prunes confirm dinner plans? They said it was a date.
24. What did one cantaloupe write to the other in their Valentine’s card? “You’re one in a melon!”
25. How did the tennis ball flirt with the racquet? By saying, “Hit me up!”
26. What did one cappuccino say to their shy crush? “Espresso yourself.”
27. Why did the skeleton break up with her boyfriend before Valentine’s Day? Her heart wasn’t in it.
28. What message is on candy hearts for cats? “You’re purr-fect!”
29. Why do air fresheners love Valentine’s Day? They’re so scent-imental.
30. Where did the high-heel take its date? To the football.
31. How did one drum tell the other about its feelings? “My heart beats for you.”
32. How did the vegetable politely ask for a date? “Peas be my Valentine.”
33. How can you save money on Valentine’s gifts? Become single.
34. What’s a cutesy love term that can also be orange and delicious? “Crush.”
35. What kind of flowers shouldn’t you gift your girlfriend? Cauliflowers.
36. What did the stamp say to the envelope on Valentine’s Day? “I’m stuck on you.”
37. Why did all the other fruit ask the banana to be their Valentine? She was very a-peel-ing.
38. What are insects called when they’re dating? Lovebugs.
39. What did the baker say to his wife on V-Day? “Gimme some sugar!”
40. What do you call someone with a cold on Valentine’s Day? “Lovesick.”
41. Why couldn’t the mineral water ever get a Valentine? All of his friendships were so pla-tonic.
42. How do sheep share their feelings with each other? By saying, “I love ewe.”
43. What do you call a happy couple who first met via Twitter? “Tweethearts.”
44. Why was the canoe considered a heartthrob? He was so row-mantic.
45. What did the romantic sing after she got a paper cut? “I keep bleeding, keep, keep bleeding love!”
46. Why would Forrest Gump be a good Valentine? He’d probably gift a box of chocolates.
47. Which type of flower is the best at giving smooches? Tulips.
48. What can get you in trouble with the law on Valentine’s Day? Stealing too many hearts.
49. What do pieces of fruit write to each other in their V-Day cards? “I love you berry much!”
50. What did the couple say after they were struck by Cupid’s arrow? “Ouch!”
Shakespeare In Love
As the years went on, the holiday grew sweeter. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticized it in their work, and it gained popularity throughout Britain and the rest of Europe. Handmade paper cards became the tokens-du-jour in the Middle Ages.
Eventually, the tradition made its way to the New World. The industrial revolution ushered in factory-made cards in the 19th century. And in 1913, Hallmark Cards of Kansas City, Mo., began mass producing valentines. February has not been the same since.
Today, the holiday is big business: According to market research firm IBIS World, Valentine’s Day sales reached $17.6 billion last year; this year’s sales are expected to total $18.6 billion.
But that commercialization has spoiled the day for many. Helen Fisher, a sociologist at Rutgers University, says we have only ourselves to blame.
“This isn’t a command performance,” she says. “If people didn’t want to buy Hallmark cards, they would not be bought, and Hallmark would go out of business.”
72 Quotation about valentine’s day
- “There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved.” – George Sand, Author
- “Valentine’s Day is the poet’s holiday.” – Ted Koosner, Poet
- “Your flaws are perfect for the heart that’s meant to love you.” – Trent Shelton, Football Player
- “Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” – Rumi, Poet
- “A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” – Max Muller, Philologist
- “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” – Dr. Seuss, Author
- “The art of love…is largely the art of persistence.” – Albert Ellis, Psychologist
- “Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.” – Katharine Lee Bates, Songwriter
- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin, Journalist
- “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Franklin P. Jones, Engineer
- “Grow old with me! The best is yet to be.” – Robert Browning, Poet
- “The Eskimos had fifty-two names for snow because it was important to them: there ought to be as many for love.” – Margaret Atwood, Author
- “It is astonishing how little one feels alone when one loves.” – John Bulwer, Physician
- “Love is the greatest refreshment in life.” – Pablo Picasso, Artist
- “Where there is love, there is life.” – Mahatma Ghandi, Civil Rights Leader
- “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller, Author
- “There are never enough I Love You’s.” – Lenny Bruce, Comedian
Funny Valentine’s Day Quotes & Messages
They say that laughter is the best medicine so, why not make your Valentine smile this year? Better yet, if you are interested in wooing a new flame use these funny Valentine’s Day quotes to break the ice and express your feelings without too many frills. If your special someone enjoys good humor, these quotes will help you make light of the holiday. Scroll through the funny Valentine’s Day quotes and messages below to find the perfect one.
- “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz, Cartoonist
- “I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner, Comedian
- “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – Oscar Wilde, Playwright
- “True love comes quietly, without banners or flashing lights. If you hear bells, get your ears checked.” – Erich Segal, Author
- “I love Mickey Mouse more than any woman I have ever known.” – Walt Disney, Animator
- “Love is a grave mental disease.” – Plato, Philosopher
- “I want a man who’s kind and understanding. Is that too much to ask of a millionaire?” – Zsa Zsa Gabor, Actress
- “It’s better to have loved and lost than to have to do forty pounds of laundry a week.” – Laurence J. Peter, Educator
- “Without Valentine’s Day, February would be…well, January.” – Jim Gaffigan, Comedian
- “Love is what you’ve been through with somebody.” – James Thurber, Cartoonist
- “What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork.” – Pearl Bailey, Actress
- “Money can’t buy love, but it improves your bargaining position.” – Christopher Marlowe, Playwright
- “If love is the answer, could you please rephrase the question?” – Lily Tomlin, Actress
- “Look, there’s no metaphysics on earth like chocolates.” – Fernando Pessoa, Poet
- “Love is like an hourglass, with the heart filling up as the brain empties.” – Jules Renard, Author
- “Lord! I wonder what fool it was that first invented kissing.” – Jonathon Swift, Political Satirist
Happy Valentine’s Day Quotes & Messages
Your time and recognition will not be forgotten by anyone you send a cheerful Valentine’s wish to. When your words escape you, borrow a quote or message to make your someone special feel loved. These messages are great for anyone you are sending love to and these days the holiday is meant to celebrate not just romance, but all types of love!
- “This fire that we call Loving is too strong for human minds. But just right for human souls.” – Aberjhani, Historian
- “Each time you love, love as deeply as if it were forever.” – Audre Lorde, Civil Rights Activist
- “Love is when the desire to be desired takes you so badly that you feel you could die of it.” – Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Painter
- “Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” – Vincent van Gogh, Artist
- “A true lover always feels in debt to the one he loves.” – Ralph W. Sockman, Pastor
- “Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.” – Albert Einstein, Physicist
- “Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Poet
- “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu, Philosopher
- “The heart has its reasons, which reason knows not.” – Blaise Pascal, Mathematician
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle, Philosopher
- ”When love is not madness, it is not love.” – Pedro Calderon de la Barca, Playwright“
- Nobody has ever measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold.” – Zelda Fitzgerald, Author
- “Love is metaphysical gravity.” – R. Buckminster Fuller, Architect
- “Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination.” – Voltaire, Author
- “If you remember me, then I don’t care if everyone else forgets.” – Haruki Murakami, Author
- “Love is being stupid together.” – Paul Valery, Poet
- “Love is a condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert Heinlein, Author
- “And suddenly all the love songs were about you.” – Unknown
Valentine’s Day Quotes & Messages for Friends
Valentine’s Day isn’t just a celebration for couples and romantic love. Friendships are an exceptional kind of love that deserves recognition not just through Galentine’s Day but on this special day as well. Send a Valentine’s Day message from the heart to remind your BFF’s just how much they mean to you.
- “Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer.” – Jean de La Fontaine, Poet
- “A friend is what the heart needs all the time.” – Henry Van Dyke, Author
- “My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” – Henry Ford, Businessman
- “Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.” – Elie Wiesel, Author
- “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.” – Wiliam Shakespeare, Poet
- “True friends are like diamonds — bright, beautiful, valuable and always in style.” – Nicole Richie, Actress
- “There is nothing better than a friend unless it is a friend with chocolate.” – Linda Grayson, Author
- “Friends are medicine for a wounded heart, and vitamins for a hopeful soul.” – Steve Maraboli, Autho
Valentine’s Day Quotes & Messages For Him
When writing a Valentine’s Day message for him try to keep it personal and thoughtful. He will laugh at reminders of old times and smile at references to special moments shared together. End the note with creative Valentine’s Day messages unique to men from our quotes below.
- “The real lover is a man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space”. – Marilyn Monroe, Actress
- “Money is no match for the richness you bring to my life.” – Anonymous
- “Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.” – Elaine Davis, Actress
- “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” – A.A. Milne, Author
- “A life without love is like a year without summer.” – Anonymous
- “If I know what love is, it is because of you.” – Hermann Hesse, Poet
- “Your words are my food, your breath is my wine. You are everything to me.” – Sarah Bernhardt, Actress
- “I’m much more me when I’m with you.” – Anonymous
- “My heart is and always will be yours.” – Anonymous
- “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Emily Bronte, Author
- “Don’t forget I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” – Anna Scott, Notting Hill
- “I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more” – Angelita Lim, Writer
Valentine’s Day Quotes & Messages For Her
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to shower your lady in warm Valentine’s messages and thoughtful greetings. Use a Valentine’s Day message that speaks to her beauty, intelligence and positive presence in your life. She’ll fall head over heels for your personal message that is unique to how you feel about the woman in your life.
- “Chocolate can’t compete with the sweetness of loving you.” – Anonymous
- “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” – Conan Doyle, Arthur
- “You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known—and even that is an understatement.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, Author
- “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.” – Alfred Tennyson, Poet
- “I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.” – Leo Christopher, Actor
- “In my eyes, you are the most beautiful and tender woman in the whole world. I love you.” – Anonymous
- “Love is friendship that has caught on fire” – Ann Landers, Writer
- “I know of only one duty, and that is to love” – Albert Camus, Philosopher
- “Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There’s too much fraternizing with the enemy.” – Henry Kissinger, Political Scientist
- “I love you, not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you.” – Roy Croft, Author
- “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn, Actress
- “If I had to dream up the perfect woman, she wouldn’t even come close to you.” – Cory Matthews, Boy Meets World
- “I look at you and see the rest of my life in front of my eyes.” – Anonymous
Now that you have the best Valentine’s Day quotes picked out, you can get creative with your own words. Before you begin writing, consider how well you know your recipient. If you’re romantically coupled, think about what stage of the relationship you are in. This will give you an idea of how to address the card, and what tone is appropriate.
200 Happy Valentine’s Day Quotes
Valentine’s day outfits for couples
Valentine’s day cake Ideas
Valentine’s Day poetry
My Promise
If you were my world, then I’d be your moon,
your silent protector, a night-light in the gloom.
Our fates intertwined, two bodies in motion
through time and space, our dance of devotion.
If you were my island, then I’d be your sea,
caressing your shores, soft and gentle I’d be.
My tidal embrace would leave gifts on your sands,
but by current and storm, I’d ward your gentle lands.
If you were love’s promise, then I would be time,
your constant companion till stars align.
And though we are mere mortals, true love is divine,
and my devotion eternal, to my one valentine.
My Valentine Girl
I want to give a special Valentine to you,
And I think I’m crushing, if you only knew.
Each day I feel like I’m floating on an endless cloud,
A weightless feather, a soft melodious sound.
As I look into your eyes, your beauty engulfs me.
I feel like I’m flying, soaring, sailing free.
I don’t have things to give, like diamonds or pearls,
But all I want to do is make you my girl.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you, and I must have to say,
That you are the girl that just makes my day!
You’re so sweet, and gorgeous, I never want to part
‘Cause you’re the one that had stolen my heart.
Eternal Emotion
As long as the birds are singing,
As long as the fish can swim,
As long as the sun keeps shining,
I will love you in the bright or dim.
As long as the wind keeps blowing,
As long as the ocean waves,
As long as the stars are shimmering,
You will have my heart enslaved.
As long as time keeps flowing,
As long as the sky is blue,
As long as planets are spinning,
My love will forever be with you.
valentine’s day songs
Keith Urban, ‘Somebody Like You’
I’m breathin’ deeper than I’ve ever done
And it sure feels good
To finally feel the way I do
I’ve forgiven myself for the mistakes I’ve made
Now there’s just one thing
The only thing I wanna do, mmhmm
Shinin’ down on me and you
When you put your arms around me
You let me know there’s nothing in this world I can’t do
I’d take a one step forward and a two steps back
I couldn’t walk a straight line
Even if I wanted to
Woo! Yeah
Hey! I wanna love you baby
Uh huh
Shinin’ down on me and you
When you put your arms around me, oh
Well, baby there ain’t nothing in this world I can’t do
But you’re teachin’ me to be a better man
I don’t want to take this life for granted like I used to do
No, no
I’m ready to love somebody, love somebody like you
And I wanna love somebody, love somebody like you, yeah
Woo!
Oh, oh
Yeah
Shinin’ like it’s true
I wanna be the man that you run to, whenever I call on you
When everything that loved someone finally found it’s way
Wanna be a better man
I see it in you yeah
Oh, yeah, yeah
Hey, I wanna love you baby
Oh, oh, yeah yeah
little river band lady lyrics
Take time to make time
Make time to be there
Look around, be a part
Feel for the winter
But don’t have a cold heart
You’re not like the rest
You’re there when I need you
You’re there when I need
I’m gonna need you
I had a lady to love
She made me think of things
I never thought of
Now she’s gone and I’m on my own
A love song has come into my mind
A love song
It was there all the time
Let me take a look at you now
You’re there on the dance floor
Making me want you somehow
Oh lady
I think it’s only fair
I should say to you
Don’t be thinkin’ that I don’t want you
‘Cause maybe I do
I have no answers
But know where I wanna be
I look around, play a part
I was born in the winter
And cooled by a warm heart
You’re not like the rest
You’re there when I need you
You’re there when I need
I’m gonna need you
Let me take a look at you now
You’re there on the dance floor
Making me want you somehow
Oh lady
I think it’s only fair I should say to you
Don’t be thinkin’ that I don’t want you
‘Cause maybe I do
Don’t be thinkin’ that I don’t want you
Lady I do
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Celebration and status worldwide
Canadian couple (she, a member of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps; he, a member of the Canadian Air Force) chalking hearts onto a tree on Valentine’s Day 1944
Valentine’s Day customs – sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”), offering confectionary and presenting flowers – developed in early modern England and spread throughout the English-speaking world in the 19th century. In the later 20th and early 21st centuries, these customs spread to other countries, like those of Halloween, or than aspects of Christmas, (such as Santa Claus).
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many East Asian countries with Singaporeans, Chinese and South Koreans spending the most money on Valentine’s gifts.Americas
Latin America
In most Latin American countries, for example, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Saint Valentine’s Day is known as Día de los Enamorados (‘Day of Lovers’) or as Día del Amor y la Amistad (‘Day of Love and Friendship’). It is also common to see people perform “acts of appreciation” for their friends.
In Guatemala it is known as Día del Cariño (‘Affection Day’). Some countries, in particular the Dominican Republic and El Salvador, have a tradition called Amigo secreto (“Secret friend”), which is a game similar to the Christmas tradition of Secret Santa.
Brazil
Main article: Dia dos Namorados
In Brazil, the Dia dos Namorados (lit. “Lovers’ Day”, or “Boyfriends’/Girlfriends’ Day”) is celebrated on June 12, probably because that is the day before Saint Anthony’s day, known there as the ‘marriage saint’, when traditionally many single women perform popular rituals, called simpatias, in order to find a good husband or boyfriend. Couples exchange gifts, chocolates, cards, and flower bouquets. The February 14 Valentine’s Day is not celebrated at all because it usually falls too little before or too little after the Brazilian Carnival – that can fall anywhere from early February to early March and lasts almost a week. Because of the absence of Valentine’s Day and due to the celebrations of the Carnivals, Brazil was recommended by U.S. News & World Report as a tourist destination during February for Western singles who want to get away from the holiday.
Colombia
Colombia celebrates Día del amor y la amistad on the third Saturday in September instead. Amigo Secreto is also popular there.
United States
Conversation hearts, candies with messages on them, are strongly associated with Valentine’s Day.
African American Valentine’s school dance, Richmond, Virginia 1956
In the United States, about 190 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, not including the hundreds of millions of cards school children exchange.
Valentine’s Day is a major source of economic activity, with total expenditures in 2017 topping $18.2 billion in 2017, or over $136 per person. This is an increase from $108 per person in 2010.
Asia
Afghanistan
In the Afghan tradition, love is often expressed through poetry. Some new generation budding poets like Ramin Mazhar, Ma

htab Sahel are expressing themselves through poetry using Valentine’s Day expressing concerns on any likelihood of erosion of freedoms. In their political comment they defy fear by saying ‘I kiss you amid the Taliban
Bangladesh
Main article: Valentine’s Day in Bangladesh
Valentine’s Day was first celebrated in Bangladesh by Shafik Rehman, a journalist and editor of Jaijaidin in 1993. He was acquainted with Western culture by studying in London. He highlighted Valentine’s Day to the Bangladeshi people through Jaijaidin newspaper. Rehman is called the “father of Valentine’s Day in Bangladesh”. On this day, people in various bonds including lovers, friends, husbands and wives, mothers and children, students and teachers express their love for each other with flowers, chocolates, cards and other gifts. On this day, various parks and recreation centers of the country are full of people of love. No public holiday is declared on this day in Bangladesh.
Some in Bangladesh feel that celebrating this day is not acceptable from a cultural and Islamic point of view. Before the celebration of Valentine’s Day, February 14 was celebrated as the anti-authoritarian day in Bangladesh. However, that day is forgotten by people to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
China
See also: The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl
In Chinese, Valentine’s Day is called lovers’ festival (simplified Chinese: 情人节; traditional Chinese: 情人節; Mandarin: Qīng Rén Jié; Hokkien: Chêng Lîn Chiat; Cantonese: Chìhng Yàhn Jit; Shanghainese Xin Yin Jiq). The “Chinese Valentine’s Day” is the Qixi Festival (meaning “The Night of Sevens” (Chinese: 七夕; pinyin: Qi Xi)), celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. According to the legend, the Cowherd star and the Weaver Maid star are normally separated by the Milky Way (silvery river) but are allowed to meet by crossing it on the 7th day of the 7th month of the Chinese calendar.
In recent years, celebrating White Day has also become fashionable among some young people.
India
Main article: Valentine’s Day in India
In India, in antiquity, there was a tradition of adoring Kamadeva, the lord of love; exemplificated by the erotic carvings in the Khajuraho Group of Monuments and by the writing of the Kamasutra. This tradition was lost around the Middle Ages, when Kamadeva was no longer celebrated, and public displays of sexual affection became frowned upon. This repression of public affections began to loosen in the 1990s.
Valentine’s Day celebrations did not catch on in India until around 1992. It was spread due to the programs in commercial TV channels, such as MTV, dedicated radio programs, and love letter competitions, in addition to an economical liberalization that allowed the explosion of the valentine card industry. The celebration has caused a sharp change on how people have been displaying their affection in public since the Middle Ages.
When we give attention to Valentine’s Day we find that 68%, including Hindu, Muslim and Christian of people of India do not support of Valentine’s Day.
In modern times, Hindu and Islamic traditionalists have considered the holiday to be cultural contamination from the West, a result of globalization in India. Shiv Sena and the Sangh Parivar have asked their followers to shun the holiday and the “public admission of love” because of them being “alien to Indian culture”. Although these protests are organized by political elites, the protesters themselves are middle-class Hindu men who fear that the globalization will destroy the traditions in their society: arranged marriages, Hindu joint families, full-time mothers, etc. Despite these obstacles, Valentine’s Day is becoming increasingly popular in India.
Valentine’s Day has been strongly criticized from a postcolonial perspective by intellectuals from the Indian left. The holiday is regarded as a front for “Western imperialism”, “neocolonialism”, and “the exploitation of working classes through commercialism by multinational corporations”. It is claimed that as a result of Valentine’s Day, the working classes and rural poor become more disconnected socially, politically, and geographically from the hegemonic capitalist power structure. They also criticize mainstream media attacks on Indians opposed to Valentine’s Day as a form of demonization that is designed and derived to further the Valentine’s Day agenda. Right wing Hindu nationalists are also hostile. In February 2012, Subash Chouhan of the Bajrang Dal warned couples that “They cannot kiss or hug in public places. Our activists will beat them up”. He said “We are not against love, but we criticize vulgar exhibition of love at public places”.
Iran
Main article: Valentine’s Day in Iran
Part of a celebration of Valentine’s Day in Tehran.
Since the mid-2000s, Valentine’s Day has become increasingly popular in Iran, especially among young people. However, it has also been the subject of heavy criticism from Iranian conservatives, who see it as part of the spread of “decadent” Western culture. Since 2011, authorities have attempted to discourage celebrations and impose restrictions on the sale and production of Valentine’s Day-related goods, although the holiday remains popular as of 2018. Additionally, there have been efforts to revive the ancient Persian festival of Sepandārmazgān, which takes place around the same time, to replace Valentine’s Day, although, as of 2016, this has also been largely unsuccessful.
Israel
In Israel, the Jewish tradition of Tu B’Av has been revived and transformed into the Jewish equivalent of Valentine’s Day. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Av (usually in late August). In ancient times girls would wear white dresses and dance in the vineyards, where the boys would be waiting for them (Mishna Taanith end of Chapter 4). Today, Tu B’Av is celebrated as a second holiday of love by secular people (along with Valentine’s Day), and it shares many of the customs associated with Saint Valentine’s Day in western societies. In modern Israeli culture Tu B’Av is a popular day to proclaim love, propose marriage, and give gifts like cards or flowers.
Japan
In Japan, Morozoff Ltd. introduced the holiday for the first time in 1936, when it ran an advertisement aimed at foreigners. Later, in 1953, it began promoting the giving of heart-shaped chocolates; other Japanese confectionery companies followed suit thereafter. In 1958, the Isetan department store ran a “Valentine sale”. Further campaigns during the 1960s popularized the custom.
The custom that only women give chocolates to men may have originated from the translation error of a chocolate-company executive during the initial campaigns. In particular, office ladies give chocolate to their co-workers. Unlike western countries, gifts such as greeting cards, candies, flowers, or dinner dates are uncommon, and most of the gifts-related activity is about giving the right amount of chocolate to each person. Japanese chocolate companies make half their annual sales during this time of the year.
Many women feel obliged to give chocolates to all male co-workers, except when the day falls on a Sunday, a holiday. This is known as giri-choko (義理チョコ), from ‘giri’ (“obligation”) and ‘choko’, (“chocolate”), with unpopular co-workers receiving only “ultra-obligatory” (‘chō-giri choko’) cheap chocolate. This contrasts with honmei-choko (本命チョコ, lit. “true feeling chocolate”), chocolate given to a loved one. Friends, especially girls, may exchange chocolate referred to as tomo-choko (友チョコ, from ‘tomo’ meaning “friend”).
In the 1980s, the Japanese National Confectionery Industry Association launched a successful campaign to make March 14 a “reply day”, where men are expected to return the favour to those who gave them chocolates on Valentine’s Day, calling it White Day for the color of the chocolates being offered. A previous failed attempt to popularize this celebration had been done by a marshmallow manufacturer who wanted men to return marshmallows to women.
In Japan, the romantic “date night” associated to Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Christmas Eve.
Lebanon
Valentine’s Day themed bouquet of cupcakes
Saint Valentine is the patron saint for a large part of the Lebanese population. Couples take the opportunity of Valentine’s feast day to exchange sweet words and gifts as proof of love. Such gifts typically include boxes of chocolates, cupcakes, and red roses, which are considered the emblem of sacrifice and passion.[citation needed]
Lebanese people celebrate Valentine’s Day in a different way in every city. In Beirut, men take women out to dine and may buy them a gift. Many women are asked to marry on that day. In Sidon, Valentine’s Day is celebrated with the whole family – it is more about family love than a couple’s love.[citation needed]
Malaysia
Islamic officials in West Malaysia warned Muslims against celebrating Valentine’s Day, linking it with vice activities. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said the celebration of romantic love was “not suitable” for Muslims. Wan Mohamad Sheikh Abdul Aziz, head of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), which oversees the country’s Islamic policies said that a fatwa (ruling) issued by the country’s top clerics in 2005 noted that the day ‘is associated with elements of Christianity,’ and ‘we just cannot get involved with other religions’ worshipping rituals.’ Jakim officials planned to carry out a nationwide campaign called “Awas Jerat Valentine’s Day” (“Mind the Valentine’s Day Trap”), aimed at preventing Muslims from celebrating the day on February 14, 2011. Activities include conducting raids in hotels to stop young couples from having unlawful sex and distributing leaflets to Muslim university students warning them against the day.
On Valentine’s Day 2011, West Malaysian religious authorities arrested more than 100 Muslim couples concerning the celebration ban. Some of them would be charged in the Shariah Court for defying the department’s ban against the celebration of Valentine’s Day.
In East Malaysia, the celebration are much more tolerated among young Muslim couples although some Islamic officials and Muslim activists from the West side have told younger generations to refrain from such celebration by organising da’wah and tried to spread their ban into the East. In both the states of Sabah and Sarawak, the celebration is usually common with flowers.
Pakistan
The concept of Valentine’s Day was introduced into Pakistan during the late 1990s with special TV and radio programs. The Jamaat-e-Islami political party has called for the banning of Valentine’s Day celebration. Despite this, the celebration is becoming popular among urban youth and the florists expect to sell a great amount of flowers, especially red roses. The case is the same with card publishers.
In 2016, the local governing body of Peshwar officially banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day in the city. The ban was also implemented in other cities such as Kohat by the local governments.
In 2017, the Islamabad High Court banned Valentine’s Day celebrations in public places in Pakistan. More than 80% of Dawn readers polled on its website agreed with this decision.
In 2018, because of a petition by a citizen, Abdul Waheed, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority advised broadcasters and newspapers against airing any Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is called Araw ng mga Puso in much the same manner as in the West. It is usually marked by a steep increase in the price of flowers, particularly red roses. It is the most popular day for weddings, with some localities offering mass ceremonies for no charge.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, in 2002 and 2008, religious police banned the sale of all Valentine’s Day items, telling shop workers to remove any red items, because the day is considered a Christian holiday. This ban has created a black market for roses and wrapping paper. In 2012, the religious police arrested more than 140 Muslims for celebrating the holiday, and confiscated all red roses from flower shops. Muslims are not allowed to celebrate the holiday, and non-Muslims can celebrate only behind closed doors.
“Saudi cleric Sheikh Muhammad Al-‘Arifi said on Valentine’s Day Eve that celebrating this holiday constitutes bid’a – a forbidden innovation and deviation from religious law and custom – and mimicry of the West.”
However, in 2017 and 2018, after a fatwa was widely circulated, the religious police did not prevent Muslims from celebrating the day. In 2018, Sheikh Ahmed Qasim Al-Ghamdi, a Saudi cleric and former president of the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, said that Valentine’s Day is not haram and is compatible with Islamic values.
Singapore
According to findings, Singaporeans are among the biggest spenders on Valentine’s Day, with 60% of Singaporeans indicating that they would spend between $100 and $500 during the season leading up to the holiday.
South Korea
In South Korea, women give chocolate to men on February 14, and men give non-chocolate candy to women on March 14 (White Day). On April 14 (Black Day), those who did not receive anything on February or March 14 go to a Chinese-Korean restaurant to eat black noodles (짜장면 jajangmyeon) and lament their ‘single life’. Koreans also celebrate Pepero Day on November 11, when young couples give each other Pepero cookies. The date ’11/11′ is intended to resemble the long shape of the cookie. The 14th of every month marks a love-related day in Korea, although most of them are obscure. From January to December: Candle Day, Valentine’s Day, White Day, Black Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day, Silver Day, Green Day, Music Day, Wine Day, Movie Day, and Hug Day.[165] Korean women give a much higher amount of chocolate than Japanese women.
Taiwan
Taipei 101 in Valentine’s Day 2006
In Taiwan, traditional Qixi Festival, Valentine’s Day and White Day are all celebrated. However, the situation is the reverse of Japan’s. Men give gifts to women on Valentine’s Day, and women return them on White Day.Europe
United Kingdom
In the UK, just under half of the population spend money on their Valentines and around £1.3 billion is spent yearly on cards, flowers, chocolates, and other gifts, with an estimated 25 million cards being sent.
In Wales, some people celebrate Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St. Dwynwen’s Day) on January 25 instead of (or as well as) Valentine’s Day. The day commemorates St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of love. The Welsh name for Saint Valentine is Sant Ffolant.
In a 2016 poll conducted by Channel 4 for Valentine’s Day, Jane Austen’s line, “My heart is, and always will be, yours”, from her novel Sense and Sensibility and said by Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) to Elinor Dashwood (Emma Thompson) in the acclaimed 1995 film adaptation, was voted the most romantic line from literature, film and TV by thousands of women.
Ireland
Many Christians make a pilgrimage to Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin on Saint Valentine’s Day to implore the intercession of Saint Valentine in their prayers, with the hope of finding true love
On Saint Valentine’s Day in Ireland, many individuals who seek true love make a Christian pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Valentine in Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church in Dublin, which is said to house relics of Saint Valentine of Rome; they pray at the shrine in hope of finding romance. There lies a book in which foreigners and locals have written their prayer requests for love.
Finland and Estonia
In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called ystävänpäivä, which means “Friend’s Day”. As the name indicates, this day is more about remembering friends, not significant others. In Estonia, Valentine’s Day was originally called valentinipäev and later also sõbrapäev (‘Friend’s Day’) as a calque of the Finnish term.
France
In France, a traditionally Catholic country, Valentine’s Day is known simply as “Saint Valentin”, and is celebrated in much the same way as other western countries. The relics of Saint Valentin de Terni, the patron of the St Valentine’s Day, are in the Catholic church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Saint-Jean-l’Evangéliste located in the southern France town of Roquemaure, Gard. The celebrations of “Fête des Amoureux” takes place every two years on the Sunday closest to February 14. The village gets dressed in its 19th-century costume and put on the program with over 800 people.
Greece
St. Valentine’s Day, or Ημέρα του Αγίου Βαλεντίνου in Greek tradition was not associated with romantic love. In the Eastern Orthodox church there is another Saint who protects people who are in love, Hyacinth of Caesarea (feast day July 3), but this was not widely known until the late 1990s In contemporary Greece, Valentine’s Day is generally celebrated as in the common Western tradition.
Poland
Saint Valentine’s Day was introduced to Poland together with the cult of Saint Valentine via Bavaria and Tyrol. However, it rose in popularity only in the 1990s. The only (and the biggest) public celebration in Poland is held annually from 2002 in Chełmno under the name „Walentynki Chełmińskie” (Chełmno Valentine’s). Because Chełmno’s parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been holding the relic of St. Valentine since the Middle Ages, local cult of the saint has been combined with the Anglo-Saxon tradition.
Portugal
In Portugal, the holiday is known as “Dia dos Namorados” (Lover’s Day / Day of the Enamoured). As elsewhere, couples exchange gifts, but in some regions, women give a lenço de namorados (“lovers’ handkerchief”), which is usually embroidered with love motifs.
Romania
In recent years, Romania has also started celebrating Valentine’s Day. This has drawn backlash from several groups, institutions, and nationalist organizations like Noua Dreaptǎ, who condemn Valentine’s Day for being superficial, commercialist, and imported Western kitsch. In order to counter the perceived denaturation of national culture, Dragobete, a spring festival celebrated in parts of Southern Romania, has been rekindled after having been ignored during the Communist years as the traditional Romanian holiday for lovers. The holiday is named after a character from Romanian folklore who was supposed to be the son of Baba Dochia. Its date used to vary depending on the geographical area, however nowadays it is commonly observed on February 24.
Scandinavia
In Denmark and Norway, February 14 is known as Valentinsdag, and it is celebrated in much the same manner as in the United Kingdom.In Sweden it is called Alla hjärtans dag (“All Hearts’ Day”) but is not widely celebrated. A 2016 survey revealed that less than 50% of men and women were planning to buy presents for their partners. The holiday has only been observed since the 1960s.
Spain
In Spain, Valentine’s Day is known as “San Valentín” and is celebrated the same way as in the rest of the West.