Valentine's Day
St. Valentine actually refers to a handful of St. Valentines, all martyred in the early centuries of Christianity with no trace of interest in courtly love. Even in 496, the pope who created the feast day considered their acts "known only to God." The holiday now celebrated on February 14th has roots in the pre-Christian fertility festivals that took place around that time. Its association with the mysterious martyrs is first attested to by Chaucer, and the day has since become an annual boon for the greeting card industry.