Happy Valentine's Day Heart

Red illustration of a heart on a pink background with white block letter text on top

Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, while not an official public or religious holiday in any country, is recognized and celebrated annually on February 14th. Although the day is named for a Saint Valentine, the Catholic Church recognizes three Valentines who were martyred and it is unclear for which the day is named. One legend states that Valentine was a priest in third century Rome, who performed secret wedding ceremonies for young soldiers who were forbidden to marry. Other stories tell of a Valentine who was killed for helping Christian prisoners escape from being tortured. The day became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Today, Valentine's Day is recognized throughout the North and Latin America, Asia, and Europe, and is typically celebrated by giving chocolate, flowers, or cards bearing hearts on them to romantic partners.