All About Valentine's Day in the USA

The cupid season is right around the corner. As we all know, February 14th is Valentine’s Day (not everyone celebrates it, though). But did you know that Valentine’s Day in the USA is not just for lovers or couples? Yes, you heard it right. We are not going to reveal it all here, though. So, today in this blog, we are going to cover all about Valentine’s Day in the USA, from the origin, celebration, and tradition to the fun facts. Be with us till the end!

Origins of Valentine's Day in the USA

There are more than ten theories about the origin of Valentine’s Day in the USA. But the most popular one, which also can be true, is around Italian churches. Many might not know that on February 14th, Saint Valentine of Italy is remembered. Valentine was a third-century Roman saint who secretly arranged marriages of young people in love without any fear of Christian rules. All of this led to the death penalty on Saint Valentine. That is why Valentine’s Day is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day in the USA. 

Valentine's Day in the USA: Traditions & Culture

Valentine’s Day in the USA started becoming popular in the early 1800s. The trend of this Day started, and let us tell you, many traditions came into existence, and many are not even followed at this moment. For many people, it is the Day for showing affection, and for others, it is the Day to turn their enemies into friends. Let us take a look at various traditions of Valentine’s Day in the USA:

1. Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

On Valentine's Day in the USA, during mediaeval times, knights used to help lovers meet. Interesting? This tradition is known as ‘wear your heart on your sleeve’ as lovers used to make the knights wear coloured handkerchiefs or any sign of their love on their arms. 

2. Writing Love Poems
Have you ever thought about taking the help of a poet to write poems for your loved one? That was what people used to do on Valentine's Day in the USA. Well, those who could write preferred writing by themselves. But you could see a lot of exchange of poems during those times.

3. Decoding the Meaning of Each Flower

How do you feel when someone gives you a flower? On cloud nine immediately! This tradition has been followed till now. The only difference is when lovers would receive a flower bouquet they were also supposed to decode the emotion behind it by the colour or the type.

4. Printing Poetic Valentine’s Cards

Exchanging cards nowadays is unique since people are more comfortable sending texts instead. Valentine’s Day in the USA finally got commercialised with the mass printing of poetic Valentine’s cards. 

5. The Bachelor’s Ball 

Towns in the USA used to host fancy bachelor’s balls for young people. Various committees would help in decoration, wine-tasting, and inviting new members to explore all of it. Many young women used to participate in order to find a suitable partner.  

Valentine's Day Celebration in the USA

It is said that the way Valentine’s Day in the USA is celebrated enthusiastically, nowhere else would one see it celebrated like that. Every store and road is decorated with red coloured balloons or other materials. It gives the feeling of Christmas. If you are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the USA then let us tell you do not underestimate the importance it holds there. Below is all about the Valentine’s Day celebration in the USA:

1. Sending Proposals

Valentine's Day in the USA is marked by a tradition of expressing love through romantic proposals. Couples take this opportunity to take their relationships to the next level, with many choosing this Day to pop the question, making it a significant moment in their lives.

2. Candy Grams

The exchange of sweet treats is a popular custom during Valentine's Day. Candy grams, personalised messages attached to delicious confections, are exchanged among friends, family, and loved ones. This delightful gesture adds a touch of sweetness to the celebration, symbolising care.

3. Valentine’s Day Dress Code

In the USA, Valentine's Day comes with its fashion statement. Many people, including the kids, dress in shades of red and pink, symbolising love and passion. This unofficial dress code adds a festive and romantic atmosphere to the Day, creating a visually captivating celebration of love.

4. Valentine’s Day Getaway

For couples or families looking to escape the routine and especially celebrate their love, Valentine's Day getaways are a popular choice. Many opt for romantic retreats, charming bed and breakfasts, or scenic destinations to create lasting memories together, away from the hustle of daily life.

5. Anti-Valentine’s Day in the USA

Not everyone embraces the romantic enthusiasm of Valentine's Day. Some choose to celebrate Anti-Valentine's Day in the USA, a counter-culture movement where individuals focus on self-love, independence, and friendships rather than traditional romantic relationships. Activities may include gatherings with friends or enjoying personal time and self-care.

6. Valentine’s Day Discounts

In the spirit of consumerism, Valentine's Day is accompanied by various discounts and promotions. Retailers offer special deals on chocolates, flowers, jewellery, and other romantic gifts. This encourages people to indulge in expressing their affection through thoughtful and sometimes discounted purchases.

7. Going to Church

Valentine's Day holds religious significance for some individuals who choose to attend church services to celebrate love and commitment. Some churches organise special ceremonies or events that focus on the themes of love, compassion, and unity, allowing people to reflect on the deeper meaning of Valentine's Day within a spiritual context.

If you are someone from Australia or travelling to Australia during Valentine’s week with your significant other. Then check out our blog on 15 best ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Australia 2024 to get creative ideas to celebrate it. 

What to do on Valentine’s Day in the USA?

In the USA, the celebration goes beyond traditional gifts and candlelit dinners. If you are planning to do something on Valentine's Day in the USA and are confused, then we have got you covered. Explore unique and memorable ways to make this Valentine's Day special with these distinct activities across the country. 

1. Lock your Love in Nevada

Head to Nevada and seal your love with a symbolic gesture at Love Lock Plaza. This romantic tradition involves attaching a padlock to a fence, signifying an unbreakable bond between you and your partner.

2. Valentine Re-Mailing Program 

Discover the charm of Colorado's Valentine Re-Mailing Program, where your love letters receive a special touch. Send your heartfelt messages to Loveland, and they will be stamped with a unique Loveland postmark before reaching your beloved.

3. Ready for a Quick Wedding?

For those seeking spontaneity, Gretna, New Orleans, offers a quick and hassle-free wedding experience. Say "I do" in a flash and create lasting memories with a spontaneous wedding on Valentine's Day.

4. Valentine’s Ghost Tour in Philadelphia

Add a touch of thrill to your celebration with a Valentine's Ghost Tour in Philadelphia. Explore the city's haunted history with your loved one in a 75-minute candlelight walking tour experience.

5. Meet your Match at Museum

Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and go on a journey to find your artistic match. This interactive and creative event provides a unique way to connect with your partner while exploring the museum's extensive collection.

6. Valentine’s Day Dinner

Indulge in a romantic dinner for two at special restaurants across the USA. From intimate settings to exquisite menus, these establishments offer an unforgettable dining experience to celebrate your love.

7. Empire State Building 

Witness the iconic Empire State Building illuminate the night sky with shades of red and pink on the evening of the 13th. This breathtaking display sets the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening in the heart of New York City.

We have got something more for you! Since many people plan to go to London during Valentine’s week, our blog on 15 things to do on Valentine's Day in London can become a guide for you to make all the arrangements accordingly. 

Valentine’s Day in the USA: Fun Facts

Valentine's Day in the USA is not just about roses and chocolates; it's a day filled with quirky traditions and unexpected twists. Let's dive into the amusing and surprising fun facts that make Valentine's Day in the USA truly one-of-a-kind.

1. Free Divorce!?!?

In a peculiar annual tradition, a Tennessee lawyer breaks the norm by offering a free divorce to a lucky client on Valentine's Day. This unconventional gesture adds a touch of humour to a day associated with romance.

2. Do Not Breakup!

Forgetting Valentine's Day can be difficult in the United States, as it's considered a significant reason for breakups. Partners of Americans should be on their toes, understanding the importance of this Day to maintain the flame of love.

3. Gift for Pets

The love extends beyond human relationships, with at least 9.7 million Americans pampering their pets with Valentine's Day gifts. Treats, toys, and cuddle beds are among the popular choices to ensure that furry friends also feel the love on this special Day.

4. Who’s Spending More Money?

When it comes to splurging on Valentine's Day in the USA, men take the lead, spending about twice as much money as women. From lavish gifts to romantic gestures, men in the USA don't hold back when it comes to expressing their love on this occasion.

5. Naming Cockroaches? 

The Bronx Zoo in New York City adds a quirky twist to Valentine's Day in the USA by allowing individuals to name one of their over 50,000 giant Madagascar cockroaches symbolically. The gift package even includes a certificate, making it a humorous way to declare your love.

As we wrap up our exploration of Valentine's Day in the USA, it's clear that this celebration is more than just a day for couples. Modern celebrations in the USA reflect a blend of old and new, from sending romantic proposals and candy grams to embracing an anti-Valentine's Day sentiment. As we approach this cupid-filled Day, let's appreciate all the details that make Valentine's Day in the USA truly memorable.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!