How Many Days Until Valentine's Day - February 14th
Whether you're planning a romantic gesture, a special outing, or simply counting down to the day of love, knowing how many days are left until Valentine’s Day, February 14th, can help you prepare.
Use our calculator to track the time until Valentine’s Day and make the most of this heartfelt occasion.
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Number of Days Until Calendar
To quickly find the number of days until a certain date, feel free to use the following calendar:
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February 14th Through the Ages: The Story of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a globally recognized occasion dedicated to love, romance, and affection. While modern celebrations are marked by exchanging gifts, cards, and heartfelt messages, the origins of Valentine’s Day are steeped in history, blending ancient traditions with Christian and later cultural influences.
Historical Roots and Religious Significance
Valentine’s Day traces its roots back to ancient Rome, where a mid-February festival known as Lupercalia was held to mark fertility and purification. Celebrated from February 13th to 15th, this pagan event involved rituals that symbolized the coming of spring and the pairing of couples.
By the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine, a figure whose identity remains somewhat enigmatic. Historical accounts suggest multiple martyrs named Valentine, but one prominent legend tells of a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on soldiers marrying by secretly performing marriages. For his defiance, Valentine was executed, and his martyrdom became associated with love and devotion.
Emergence of Romantic Associations
The romantic connection to Valentine’s Day likely gained prominence during the Middle Ages, particularly in England and France. February 14th was believed to mark the beginning of the mating season for birds, further cementing the day's association with love. This notion was famously referenced by Geoffrey Chaucer in his 14th-century poem Parliament of Fowls, which linked Saint Valentine to courtly love.
By the 15th century, Valentine’s Day had evolved into an occasion for lovers to express their affection through poetry, flowers, and tokens of love. The earliest surviving Valentine greeting dates back to 1415, written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Modern-Day Celebrations
Valentine’s Day as we know it today began to take shape in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Industrial Revolution made printed cards widely available, and by the mid-19th century, exchanging Valentine's cards became a popular tradition. Esther Howland, known as the "Mother of the American Valentine," played a key role in commercializing Valentine’s Day in the United States with her elaborate, handcrafted cards.
Over time, the holiday expanded beyond romantic love to include expressions of affection among friends, family members, and even colleagues. Flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and other gifts are now customary, with red roses symbolizing deep love and passion.
A Celebration of Love and Connection
Today, Valentine’s Day is a widely celebrated holiday, transcending cultures and traditions. While its origins are rooted in history and legend, the day remains a timeless reminder to cherish relationships and express love in all its forms.
Number of Days Until CalculatorTo calculate days until a specific date, write the date in the "mm/dd/yyyy" format and click "Calculate Days."
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