Valentine's Day a Hallmark Holiday?

Is Valentine's Day a Hallmark holiday or does it commemorate a traditionally religious or secular event?

A Hallmark Holiday is one in which the Hallmark Company directly benefits from the sales of cards and other gift merchandise. Sweetest day is a classic example of a Hallmark generated holiday. Many people believe that Valentine's Day is another classic Hallmark Holiday, but is it?


Hallmark originated around 1300 A.D. When did Valentine's Day originate? It originated with St. Valentine. He sent the first "Valentine" love letter while he was in prison. He was martyred on February 14, 269 A.D. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius made February 14th "Valentine's Day" in honor of St. Valentine. Valentine's Day originated long before Hallmark ever came around. Valentine's Day does commemorate a religious person, making it a real holiday not just a Hallmark holiday.


Kelly Jansen