Valentine's Day, while not a public holiday, is recognized as a day to celebrate romance and romantic love. The day (February 14) was to honor Saint Valentine, an early Christian saint. The transition to a day honoring love was started by the medieval English writer Geoffrey Chaucer (author of the "Canterbury Tales"), when courtly love (nobility and chivalry between knights and ladies) was popular in both literature and life. By the 1700's, Valentine's Day had become a day lovers exchanged chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards (valentines). Traditional symbols are hearts, heart outlines, doves, and Cupid (ancient Greek god who causes people to fall in love when they are hit by his arrows). These activities and symbols spread throughout the English-speaking countries by 1900 and have since become common practices. Since then, Valentine's Day (or local equivalents celebrated on days different from February 14th) have developed in many different countries.
For more information, visit these websites:
About Valentine's Day (Holiday Insights)
Valentine's Day - Facts, Origin, Meaning & Videos (History.com)
Valentine's Day: Love, History, Traditions, and Gift Ideas (Wilstar.com)
Valentine's Day History (Infoplease - one of our freely accessible resources)
Photo source: thefez.com
As librarians, we are noted for lists of recommended books and items about various topics. Why should love stories be an exception?
6 Great Love Stories to Read this Valentine's Day (LiteraryTraveler)
20 Greatest Love Stories Throughout History (Town & Country) - Famous couples and lovers in history
50 Best Romance Novels of All Time (Reader's Digest)
60 Best Romantic Movies (Empire)
Best Romance Novels of All Time (ProWriting Aid)
These are a few of the books and e-books related to love, romance and Valentine's Day accessible to LWLC patrons:
All about Love by 
Cupid in Early Modern Literature and Culture by 
Hearts, Cupids, and Red Roses by 
The Social Animal: the Hidden Sources of Love, Character, and Achievement by 
