Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is known worldwide as the day of love. But did you know its history spans back to ancient Rome? A festival called Lupercalia, celebrating health and fertility, was held in mid-February. Over time, this evolved into a day honoring Saint Valentine, a priest who secretly married couples when marriage was outlawed for young men. But how did this tradition spread across the globe? Well, it was thanks to the spread of Christianity and the influence of poets and authors, who romanticized the day in their writings. Today, people in different countries celebrate Valentine's Day in unique ways. In Denmark, friends and lovers exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops. In South Korea, women gift chocolate to men on February 14th, and the men return the favor on March 14th, also known as White Day. Symbols like hearts, roses, and Cupid give Valentine's Day its charm. The heart symbolizes love and emotion, roses are tokens of love and appreciation, and Cupid, the mischievous Roman god of love, is known for shooting arrows to make people fall in love. So, next time you exchange Valentine's cards or gifts, remember the rich history and worldwide traditions that make this day so special. Valentine's Day is more than just a day of love; it's a global celebration with a fascinating past!