Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is one of the most popular holidays, probably because its theme applies to people the world over. Anyone affected by love has a reason to celebrate on this date!

The holiday most likely originated from the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, an annual rite of passage festival for young men. The names of young women were placed in a box and randomly selected by the youths. The two would be partners for the length of a year, when another lottery would be held.  This ritual was established around the 4th century B.C.E. and lasted at least for several centuries before it was stripped of its pagan characteristics and a commemoration of lovers through the exchange of heartfelt notes gradually emerged in its place.

Over $1 billion of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day.