Love is in the air.
Valentine's Day, the holiday that celebrates romance with cards, candy and gifts, is observed every year Feb. 14. If you're the planning type, that means it's less than one week away and will fall on a Tuesday.
The centuries-old holiday began as a way to honor St. Valentine, but grew into a day to celebrate love and romance. Traditions of gift-giving, which occur in the United States and beyond, have now given way to a multibillion-dollar industry. Americans are expected to spend around $26 billion on the holiday this year, according to Statista.
Here's what to know about Valentine's Day.
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When is Valentine's Day 2023?
This year, Valentine's Day is Tuesday, Feb. 14.
What is the history of Valentine's Day?
According to History.com, the origins of Valentine's Day recognize St. Valentine, but which one ‒ the Catholic church recognizes at least three ‒ is unclear. The holiday may have been placed in mid-February to commemorate the death of St. Valentine, or as a way for Christian leaders to incorporate Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival that was celebrated Feb. 15.
Valentine's Day became a celebration of romance during the Middle Ages, and the earliest known written valentine was a poem penned in 1415.
Is Valentine's Day a global holiday?
Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world. In a 2022 Ipsos survey, the majority of polled adults in 28 countries said they planned to observe the holiday.
Who is Cupid?
Cupid, the arrow-shooting cherub associated with Valentine's Day, is rooted in both Roman and Greek mythology. The god of love was known as Cupid in Roman mythology and as Eros in Greece. Eros used golden arrows to incite feelings of love in Greek mythology, according to History.com.
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