Valentine's Day 2027 — How Many Days Until Valentine's Day?

About Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day on 14 February is celebrated as a day of love and romance in countries across the world. It is named after St Valentine — a Christian martyr from third-century Rome whose association with romantic love developed during the Middle Ages. Chaucer and Shakespeare both wrote of Valentine's Day as a time when birds chose their mates, cementing its romantic associations in English-speaking culture.

The modern tradition of sending cards, flowers, and chocolates became widespread in the 19th century, when mass-produced greeting cards made it easy for people to express their feelings anonymously. Esther Howland, known as the "Mother of the American Valentine," began producing elaborate lace-and-ribbon cards in the US in the 1840s.

Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated across the US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, and increasingly in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. About 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent globally each year, making it the second-largest card-sending occasion after Christmas. The day is also marked with roses, box chocolates, candlelit dinners, and increasingly with experiences over material gifts.

Around 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged worldwide each year
Approximately 250 million roses are produced in the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day
The UK alone spends over £1 billion on Valentine's gifts annually
Teachers receive more Valentine's Day cards than anyone else in the US
Red roses became associated with Valentine's Day because red was the colour of Venus, the Roman goddess of love

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Valentine's Day?

Valentine's Day is always on 14 February every year.

Is Valentine's Day a public holiday?

No — Valentine's Day is not a public holiday in any country. Schools, businesses, and government offices remain open.

Who was St Valentine?

St Valentine was a third-century Christian martyr in Rome. The Catholic Church recognises several saints named Valentine. His specific connection to romantic love developed during the Middle Ages in English and French poetry.

Why do we give roses on Valentine's Day?

Red roses have been symbols of love since ancient Rome, where the rose was sacred to Venus, the goddess of love. The tradition was popularised in the 18th and 19th centuries alongside greeting cards.