Reported by Alison Garcia Franco

Valentine’s Day is almost here and some people may question how this day came to be.

Valentine’s Day has its roots in ancient Roman and Christian traditions.

It is believed that the holiday originated from a Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia, which was celebrated in mid-February. As Christianity spread, the holiday was associated with St. Valentine, a priest who defied Emperor Claudius’s orders and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

Valentine’s Day began to be celebrated in the United States during the 19th century. The tradition of exchanging handmade cards became popular, and in the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards in America. Poets and writers in the Middle Ages further popularized the romantic associations surrounding St. Valentine’s Day. It became common to exchange flowers, cards, and tokens of affection on February 14th.

Over time, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a celebration of love and affection. People give gifts and cards to their loved ones to show their unconditional love on this special day. Although we cherish our love for each other throughout life, Valentine’s Day has become a day to appreciate the special someone in our lives. It’s a time to show our loved ones how much we treasure them with gifts that can be cherished forever.