Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on 14 February as a day for love and affection. It is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr of 3rd-century Rome, and became linked with romantic love in the Middle Ages, notably through the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. Today people exchange cards, flowers and chocolates, and customs differ widely by country.
What is the history of Valentine’s Day?
Little is known for certain about Saint Valentine. Legend says he was a Roman priest who married couples in secret against Emperor Claudius II’s wishes and was executed on 14 February around 269–270 AD. The link between the day and romance appears in the 14th century, when Chaucer wrote of birds choosing their mates on “Seynt Valentynes day”. Handwritten love notes became popular in the 18th century and printed cards in the 19th.
How is Valentine’s Day celebrated today?
- Cards and messages: “valentines” with notes or poems.
- Gifts: red roses, chocolates, jewellery and small keepsakes.
- Dinners: restaurants and home-cooked meals for two.
- Friendship: many people also celebrate friends, sometimes on “Galentine’s Day”, 13 February.
How do different countries celebrate?
| Country | Tradition |
|---|---|
| Japan | Women give chocolates on 14 February; men return gifts on White Day, 14 March |
| South Korea | Same as Japan, plus Black Day on 14 April, when singles eat black bean noodles |
| Brazil | Dia dos Namorados on 12 June instead of February |
| Wales | St Dwynwen’s Day on 25 January, with carved love spoons |
| Vietnam | Popular with young couples; flowers and chocolates are common gifts |
Drink ideas for Valentine’s Day
- Strawberry or raspberry sparkling drinks: pink colour and fizz without alcohol – see strawberry sparkling drinks and raspberry sparkling juice.
- Hibiscus tea: naturally ruby-red and caffeine-free.
- Mocktails: sparkling juice with fresh berries and mint.
- Gift packs: canned drinks in themed packaging for events and corporate gifts.
ACM can produce seasonal private-label packaging for events; browse the sparkling drink range.
Frequently asked questions
When is Valentine’s Day?
Every year on 14 February.
Who was Saint Valentine?
A Christian martyr in 3rd-century Rome; several saints of that name are recorded and the legends vary.
What is White Day?
A day on 14 March in Japan and South Korea when people return gifts received on Valentine’s Day.
What is Galentine’s Day?
An informal celebration of female friendship on 13 February, popularised by a TV series in 2010.
