Valentine’s Day · History & traditions
A brief history of Valentine’s Day
From a saint’s day and medieval love letters to handmade cards and everyday expressions of affection.
A February day for affection
Valentine’s Day falls on February 14. In the United States, people mark it with cards, flowers, sweets and gestures of love or friendship. In 2027 it falls on a Sunday, leaving room for a morning note, an afternoon visit or an evening together.
The date has long been associated with Christian saints named Valentine. The Library of Congress overview describes both those religious associations and the later traditions of romance. The saints’ stories and the customs of courtship developed in different settings; the modern celebration took shape over centuries.
Love letters before greeting-card shops
A remarkably personal link survives from medieval England. In 1477, Margery Brews wrote a Valentine’s letter to her fiancé, John Paston. The British Library identifies it as the oldest surviving Valentine’s Day letter in English.
That letter brings the tradition down to a human scale: one person finding words for another. A valentine could be a private message long before it became a printed card on a shop display. The appeal is still familiar—telling someone something that only you could say.
Paper, lace and a growing trade
In the nineteenth century, elaborate paper valentines helped turn the occasion into a thriving card business in the United States. Esther Howland was an important figure in that growth. The Library of Congress describes her New England Valentine Company and its role in popularizing the exchange of cards.
Printed greetings and handmade ones have continued side by side. A beautiful design may catch the eye, but the message gives the card its particular meaning. A small drawing, a shared joke or a remembered kindness can do more than an elaborate verse that feels borrowed.
Make room for your own relationships
A romantic partner is one possible recipient; friends, relatives and people who offer everyday care can also be part of the day. Choose language that fits the relationship, and let the gesture stay as private or as simple as its recipient would like.
Our guide to writing a meaningful valentine offers a practical starting point. If you would rather spend time together, try a small evening at home built around a meal and an activity you both enjoy.