Over half of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day with their spouse, significant other or friends, Feb. 14. As one of the biggest days to celebrate love and romance, an approximate $18.2 is spent on candy, cards and flowers a year, according to the National Retail Federation. 

With this day focusing on gifts and affection, we forget the history and true meaning of how Valentine’s Day all began.

It all started with a Roman festival to pair young women off with men to get married. The holiday was later changed to St. Valentine’s Day by Pope Gelasius I and became a day to celebrate love.

The history behind the day reflects Christian background and originated in third century A.D. The name derives from a priest named St. Valentine who preached to young couples on the topic of matrimony. Even though forbidden by Roman Emperor Claudius II, Valentine secretly married Christians and preached to them. The Christian church was persecuted during this time and resulted in Valentine’s imprisonment and execution, Feb. 14.  

Before his death, Valentine wrote a love letter to the jailer’s daughter signing, “From your Valentine”. Nowadays, people use the word Valentine to refer to a significant other on the holiday.

America, Canada and England are among some countries that celebrate Valentine’s day, but some unusual countries, such as Argentina, Bulgaria, China and Estonia, also celebrate the holiday. In this video, Fresno Christian students and staff are interviewed about different Valentine’s day activities.

Valentine’s Day 2019 from The Feather Online from Vimeo

To find out about how FC students celebrate Valentine’s Day check out ‘Secret Valentines’.

For more Feather photos, visit media, photos 2018-19.