Valentine's cards and gifts have their roots in English traditions — but Americans have long embraced them for romantic partners and other loved ones.

But the origins are far more complex — and darker than the chocolate we indulge in on the day of love. Valentine’s Day is rooted in ancient Roman rituals, where sacrifice and

Each Valentine's Day, millions of Americans gift their partners or loved ones with flowers, cards or candy as a token of their affections on Feb. 14. But while some see it as a commercialized "Hallmark holiday,

So we have the set up: this history of Lupercalia, legends surrounding St. Valentine, and Chaucer’s poetry all make February ripe for Valentine’s Day as we know it. But how did we get to the commercialized version that we know now?

Every year on Valentine’s Day, couples express their affection toward each other by exchanging cards, boxes of chocolate, and other gifts. There’s a running joke that the holiday was created by greeting-card or candy companies,