Valentine's Day
A celebration of love and affection shared around the world.
ABOUT
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14 each year, is one of the world's most widely recognised days of affection and love. People exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt gifts with romantic partners, close friends, and family members. The day has evolved considerably from its origins — today it serves as both a personal celebration and a major commercial event, with global spending running into tens of billions of dollars annually on everything from greeting cards and restaurants to travel and jewellery. While critics point to its commercialisation, many people use the day to express genuine feelings that might otherwise go unspoken. Valentine's Day customs vary significantly by culture. In some East Asian countries, the exchange is gendered — women give chocolates to men in February, with men reciprocating on White Day in March. In Latin America, the day is often called the 'Day of Love and Friendship,' encompassing platonic relationships too. In schools, classroom card exchanges make the holiday inclusive for children. Whatever form it takes, February 14 remains a universal prompt to express care for the people who matter most in your life.
HISTORY
The feast of Saint Valentine has been celebrated since at least the 14th century. Geoffrey Chaucer was among the first to associate the day with romantic love in his 1382 poem 'Parlement of Foules.' By the 18th century, exchanging handwritten love notes was common in England. Commercially printed cards appeared in the 19th century, and the holiday spread globally through trade and media.
WHERE IT'S OBSERVED
CULTURAL CONTEXT
US United States
Valentine's Day is one of America's biggest retail events, with over $20 billion spent annually on cards, flowers, chocolates, and dining. It is celebrated by both romantic couples and friends, with classroom exchanges popular among children.
KR South Korea
In South Korea, Valentine's Day is specifically for women to give chocolate to men — romantic honmei-choco and polite obligation chocolate alike. Men reciprocate on White Day (March 14), creating a two-part tradition unique to East Asia.
JP Japan
Japan follows a similar custom: on February 14, women give chocolate to men. Honmei-choco (handmade, for a romantic partner) is distinct from giri-choco (commercial, for coworkers). Men return gifts on White Day. The holiday is largely a confectionery industry creation from the 1950s.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
- 01Send a handwritten card or letter to someone special
- 02Give flowers — roses are traditional, but any bloom works
- 03Plan a special meal or dinner at home
- 04Make a printable calendar as a thoughtful personalised gift
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is Valentine's Day?+
Valentine's Day is observed annually on February 14. The date is fixed each year — February 14 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is Valentine's Day?+
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14 each year, is one of the world's most widely recognised days of affection and love. People exchange cards, flowers, chocolates, and heartfelt gifts with romantic partners, close friends, and family members. The day has evolved considerably from its origins …
Is Valentine's Day a public holiday?+
Valentine's Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in Valentine's Day?+
Send a handwritten card or letter to someone special Give flowers — roses are traditional, but any bloom works Plan a special meal or dinner at home These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe Valentine's Day?+
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, Japan, South Korea.
MARK THE DATE
Download a free printable calendar for 2027 and never miss Valentine's Day.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan