February is the month of love . . . and Valentine’s Day! Every year, Americans spend billions on goodies like chocolates and red roses for their loved ones. People give gifts to spouses, relatives, friends, and even pets!
Many countries have their own unique Valentine’s Day traditions. In Denmark, sweethearts swap pressed snowdrop flowers, while in Japan girls give chocolate to friends, co-workers, and—of course—their crushes. February 14 is also National Chocolate Day in Ghana, where they celebrate the African country’s top export: cocoa beans.
But Valentine’s Day’s origins remain a mystery. Some people think it descended from the feast of Lupercalia, a festival celebrating the Roman god of agriculture. Most people today believe it’s based on the Roman Catholic holiday Saint Valentine’s Day—but it isn’t clear who Saint Valentine was!
One candidate is a 3rd-century saint who performed weddings for Christians and soldiers. Back then, both groups were banned from marrying. But there are several other saints also named Valentine that the holiday could honor. In 1969, Pope Paul VI removed Saint Valentine’s Day from the Catholic calendar because of the uncertainty.
But people still choose to celebrate! While not everyone participates in the holiday, 52% of Americans are still planning something for Valentine’s Day. Are you one of them?