History, Spending Records, & Traditions That Will Amaze You

Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2026, falls on a Saturday, giving couples, friends and families extra time to celebrate love with gifts, dinners and heartfelt gestures. While hearts, roses and chocolates dominate the day, the holiday’s origins blend ancient pagan rituals, Christian martyrdom and centuries of evolving romance traditions. Americans are projected to spend a record $29.1 billion this year—about $199.78 per person—making it one of the biggest consumer holidays after Christmas and before Mother’s Day.

Here are 10 fun facts about Valentine’s Day, blending timeless history with fresh 2026 insights to add sparkle to your celebrations.

1. The Holiday Has Ancient Pagan Roots Valentine’s Day traces back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held mid-February to celebrate fertility and spring. Participants sacrificed animals, then used the hides to gently whip women for good luck in childbearing. Men and women drew names from a jar to pair up for the year, a matchmaking custom that influenced later romantic pairings. In the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I banned Lupercalia and shifted focus to St. Valentine on February 14, “Christianizing” the fertility rites into a day of love.
2. St. Valentine Wasn’t Just One Person The holiday honors multiple Christian martyrs named Valentine or Valentinus from the 3rd century. One popular legend claims a priest named Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying young couples—Claudius believed single men made better soldiers. Another tale says Valentine healed his jailer’s blind daughter and sent her a note signed “From your Valentine” before his execution around A.D. 270. Historians debate the details, but the name stuck, and the first recorded Valentine’s message dates to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote a poem from the Tower of London to his wife.
3. Cupid’s Arrow Ties to Roman Mythology The chubby, bow-wielding Cupid symbolizes Valentine’s Day romance, but he originated as Eros in Greek mythology, son of Aphrodite (Venus in Roman lore). Early depictions showed him as a handsome youth, but Renaissance art transformed him into the mischievous baby archer whose arrows spark love. The red rose, sacred to Venus, became the holiday’s signature flower, with about 250 million stems sold in the U.S. each year.
4. Record-Breaking Spending in 2026 This year’s projected $29.1 billion marks an all-time high, up from $27.5 billion in 2025, according to the National Retail Federation. Average spending hits roughly $200 per person, with men outspending women nearly 2-to-1. Jewelry and dining out lead at $13.3 billion combined, while candy remains the top gift—56% of celebrants plan to buy it. Rising prices from tariffs on imported flowers (80% from South America) and inflation have pushed costs higher, with roses up over 15% and chocolates surging in recent years.
5. 145 Million Cards Exchanged Annually Valentine’s Day ranks second only to Christmas for greeting card sales, with about 145 million cards sent in the U.S. each year. Teachers receive the most, followed by children, mothers and wives. Women buy 85% of cards, and Hallmark’s first mass-produced Valentine’s appeared in 1913. In classrooms, kids exchange “friendship” valentines, keeping the tradition alive for generations.
6. Chocolate’s Sweet History on the Holiday Chocolate became a Valentine’s staple in the 19th century, but its romantic link dates further—ancient Aztecs considered cacao sacred and an aphrodisiac. Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped box in 1861, boosting sales. Today, candy tops gift lists, with billions of conversation hearts (Sweethearts) produced yearly featuring phrases like “Be Mine.” In 2026, despite price hikes, chocolate remains irresistible.
7. Pets and Self-Gifting Get Love Too Valentine’s isn’t just for couples—pet owners spend an average $31 on dogs and $27 on cats. About 35% of Americans plan self-gifts in 2026, reflecting a trend toward self-care amid economic pressures. Experiences like spa days or classes increasingly replace traditional items, with 92% of people preferring memorable outings over physical gifts in recent surveys.
8. A Day of Proposals—and Breakups About 15% of engagements happen on Valentine’s Day, drawn to the romantic vibe. Ironically, it’s also a peak breakup day, with polls showing 15-25% of couples ending relationships around February 14. The pressure of expectations sometimes backfires, turning love into heartbreak.
9. Global Twists on the Tradition In Wales, lovers exchange wooden spoons carved with hearts on St. Dwynwen’s Day (January 25), a precursor to Valentine’s. In Japan, women give chocolate to men on Valentine’s, while men reciprocate on White Day (March 14). South Korea celebrates with black noodles for singles on April 14 (“Black Day”). These variations highlight how love customs adapt worldwide.
10. Florists’ Busiest Day Valentine’s ranks as one of the peak days for florists, with millions of bouquets sold. In 2026, despite higher prices from weather damage and tariffs, flowers remain a classic—61% of men buying them gift to spouses. The red rose symbolizes passion, while pink means admiration and white purity.

Valentine’s Day 2026 blends ancient rituals with modern indulgence, proving love’s celebration evolves yet endures. Whether exchanging cards, sharing chocolate or simply spending time together, the day reminds us affection comes in many forms. Happy Valentine’s Day—may your heart be full, whatever the gift.