Hi, I'm Georgiana, and I'm back with a new episode. I'm here to help you speak English fluently.

If you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks.

Before we start, get the transcript.

Visit speakenglishpodcast.com slash podcast.

Okay, let's start.

Although it's a very commercial holiday, Valentine's Day has a fascinating history that goes back to ancient Rome.

In the United States and other parts of the world, people celebrate February 14 by giving away candy hearts and red roses. Historians believe that Valentine's Day

originated in the ancient Rome as a pagan fertility festival, but despite its origins in 1300,

it officially became a holiday associated with love and romance.

The Roman Pope officially declared February 14 Valentine's Day.

It was then associated with love because many believe that birds began their mating season on February 14.

There was more than one St. Valentine.

There have been multiple St. Valentine's throughout the history, like a bishop and a pope.

But the most common one was the one who challenged Emperor Claudius II. By then, Claudius had forbidden marriage,

because he thought it would distract young soldiers. However, Valentine disapproved, so he illegally

married couples until he was captured. After he was convicted, young couples would visit his cell

and give him flowers and cards. It said that he died on February 14. Let's see how Americans

celebrate Valentine's Day nowadays. Since 1840, sending cards became a tradition, and Americans

send out 145 million Valentine's Day cards every year. Americans spend a lot of money on

Valentine's Day. About 50% of Americans celebrate Valentine's Day

and spend about $19 billion a year,

and over $2 billion on candy alone.

...