Valentine was a priest in 3rd-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriage, illegally marrying couples, until he was caught and sentenced to death.
The chubby baby with wings and a bow and arrow known as Cupid has been associated with Valentine's Day for centuries.
At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius officially declared the date of February 14 as St. Valentine's Day.
The oldest record of a Valentine was a poem written by a French medieval duke named Charles to his wife in 1415. Imprisoned in the Tower of London after his capture at the Battle of Agincourt
Known as the "Mother of the American Valentine," Howland is remembered for her elaborate, crafty cards made with lace and ribbons.
During the Victorian era, those who didn't want the attention of certain suitors would anonymously send cards that comically insulted and rejected unwanted admirers.
According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans spent nearly US$26 billion on Valentine's Day gifts in 2023. On average, an individual would spend approximately $193 for Valentine's Day.
In the 19th century, you could purchase a Valentine's Writer to help find the right words to send to your loved ones. These booklets contained sample text that could be used to express your love.