• The History and Meaning of Valentine's Day:

valentine's Day is one of the country's most popular holidays. Stores put out candy boxes and romantic cards on display months in advance, while restaurants and hotels advertise romantic packages for couples looking for a special way to spend the day. And in case you were wondering, you don't need to be in a relationship to celebrate the holiday. There are plenty of options for friends and family members looking to display their affection as well. 

But have you ever wondered how this holiday came to be? To learn about its origins and how it has evolved over time, we spoke with Allen Carden, a professor of history at Fresno Pacific University in California. He teaches a class called "Holidays, History, and Values" that explores the origins of some of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States. He revealed that Valentine's Day has been around since the Roman Empire—that is certainly long enough for humankind to perfect it and make it the whimsical holiday it is today!