We celebrate Valentine’s Day each year, but what is all the hoopla about?

Here’s why we mark it as the most romantic day of the year.

    • According to ancient Roman history, there were several martyrs by the name of Valentine, however one man in particular was actually martyred and then buried on February 14th.

  • The Feast of St. Valentine was created by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. Upon its establishment, he was quoted as referring to Martyr Valentine, among others, as those “… whose names are justly reverenced among men, but whose acts are known only to God.”
  • Another widely held belief of St. Valentine was that he was so distraught over the rebuff from his mistress that he cut out his heart and sent it to her, still beating I might add, to show his unending love for her.
  • Of course, there are also some pagan mythologies thrown in for good measure to celebrate the ancient fertility rituals that were marked on the calendar from February 13th through the 15th.
  • Over 1 BILLION Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year from all over the world and not surprisingly, most are bought by us women!
  • And one last note on ol’ St. Valentine. Valentine comes from the Latin word valens which means “worthy.”

Now that you know about Valentine’s Day’s origin, it’s time to get in the mood!

Staying in?

Here are 4 tips to set the mood (at home!) for Valentine’s Day>>

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

Learn More