Although St. Valentine lends his name to Valentine’s Day, he did not become known as the patron saint of lovers until hundreds of years after his death. The third-century priest lived during a time when Christians were persecuted for their religious beliefs. Records and historic liturgical calendars indicate he was martyred, though what exactly led to his murder is a bit murky.

Much like the origins of Valentine’s Day, the real identity of St. Valentine remains a bit of a mystery. The holiday’s namesake, a martyred priest, actually could have been one of multiple men. Although many think of him as the patron saint of lovers, this reputation likely began centuries after his death.

Most holidays have pretty clear origin stories and reasons for their celebration. But Valentine’s Day has a complicated history. February 14, a date we now associate as a Hallmark holiday with hearts, flowers, cards and grand gestures, was not always a day of love.

For years, a rumor has circulated that greeting card companies invented Valentine's Day, which falls yearly on Feb. 14.

The history of Valentine's Day is mushy. It's been linked to a 12th-century poem about birds mating, the Christian-martyr-turned-Saint Valentine and a deadly fertility ritual in ancient Rome, but Elizabeth Nelson, an associate professor of history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, thinks that's all a stretch.

Bearing cards, flowers, chocolates and poetry, lovers have always swooned on Valentine’s Day as cherubs circled overhead. Right? Or is the history darker, marked by Roman bacchanalia, martyrs and lies?

For some Americans, Christmas is a 365 days-a-year obsession. For millions of others, the yuletide season is a cherished annual occurrence, comprising festive meals, gift exchanges, church services, community service, and, of course, a Christmas tree. Or perhaps you’re not a Christian spiritual believer but just enjoy celebrating Christmas in a secular way, such as through decorating your home and gift-giving, and you’re just curious to learn more about its religious roots. Regardless, there’s no denying that countless people would describe Christmas as the most wonderful time of the year.

Self-gifting soars, with half of U.S. adults single — and many others refusing to settle for dud presents.