Valentine's Day: From Ancient Tradition to Modern Commerce

The Origins of Valentine's Day

• Ancient Roman festival Lupercalia (mid-February)

• Saint Valentine executed by Emperor Claudius II (269 AD)

• Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day (496 AD)

• Geoffrey Chaucer linked romance to the holiday (1375)

• First Valentine's cards appeared in 1400s England