The History of Valentine's Day

• Romans celebrated the coming of spring, fertility and a young man's rite of passage in mid-February with the Lupercalia Festival. The names of teenage girls were dropped in an urn and drawn at random by bachelors, who would take their selected girl as a lover for one year. Though many of these unions resulted in marriage, this lottery style romantic pairing was considered non-Christian and was eventually outlawed by Pope Gelasius. Today, it's hard to imagine being assigned a random year-long Valentine's date. Romantic relationships are much more complex. The thousands of romance based compatibility quizzes, books and counseling services evidence our obsession with finding, and holding on to "the one." So, just for fun, see if your Valentine's Day romance is meant to last with an online compatibility test from iVillage.com.

The Legend of St. Valentine

• Who is St. Valentine? Many legends exist around the man for whom the day of romance is named. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints, all martyrs, by the name of Valentinus or St. Valentine. Though no one knows exactly how the legend goes, everyone can appreciate the heroic and romantic appeal of each. One legend is set in third century Rome where Claudius II had forbidden marriages because he believed that single men made better soldiers than married men. St. Valentine defied this injustice by marrying young lovers in private. Another legend contends that St. Valentine was killed while helping others escape from a brutal Roman prison. A third legend asserts that St. Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him while he was in prison. He sent what is considered the first valentine, signed "from your Valentine," a phrase that has evolved into the holiday's most popular salutation - "Be my Valentine".

Valentine's Day Greeting Cards

• Our American Greetings Valentine's Day team conducted a Valentine's Day Survey to keep a pulse on emerging romantic trends. Overall, the survey revealed that giving and receiving Valentine's Day greeting cards or ecards is a tradition that is important to everyone. What started in childhood as a way to express friendship and even the occasional crush has evolved into a timeless celebration of love and appreciation for all relationships. You can start your 30-day FREE trial now for unlimited access to both American Greetings ecards and printables.

More Key Findings on Valentine's Day

• Valentine Family Affair - Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers. The survey revealed that the holiday has evolved into a day to also express affection and appreciation to family and friends. Spouses and significant others still receive the highest percentage of valentines, but family and friends are a close second. Check-out our americangreetings.com Valentine's Day ecards for friends.
  
  It's a Girl Thing - About half of all women, who traditionally take the lead on buying most of the Valentine's Day cards for their households, said they also send valentines to their female friends and children. The survey showed parents and grandchildren will also receive a significant number of Valentine's Day cards and Valentine's Day ecards.
  
  Happy Valentine's Day Paper Cards or E-cards - Most consumers (nearly 70 percent of all women and 60 percent of men) said they plan to send both paper cards and ecards this Valentine's Day. Ninety-five percent of women and ninety-three percent of men will send valentines this year. If you don't have time to send a paper Valentine's Day card to all your family and friends, send a funny Valentine's Day ecard or romantic Valentine's Day ecard. Valentine's Day is the perfect time to take advantage of our Free Ecard Trial Membership that let's you send unlimited ecards for 30 days!
  
  Men, the "Sensitive" Sex - Most men revealed they have a sensitive side. More than 60 percent said it's personally important to them to receive a valentine.
  
  Top Ways People Plan to Celebrate Valentine's Day:
  1. Giving Valentine's Day cards to loved ones
  2. Romantic Dinner
  3. Spending time with family, friend and spouse
  4. Valentine's gift, candy and flowers