Happy Valentines Day! Whether you've got elaborate plans with your partner, are spending a fun Galentines with your friends, or enjoying a day of self-care - today is just another excuse to treat yourself. Every year the Valentines Day memes get better and better, and make the bitter sting of being alone on V Day* that much easier. So, since you're likely to be spending a lot of your working day scrolling through social media anyway (hey, no judgement) why not stick to the theme and make luuuurrrve the order of the day?
*Only joking! It's just a day, guys.
Here are all the funniest memes, gifs and images about the day of love thanks to the internet:
What is Valentines Day ?
Valentine's Day, or St Valentine's Day, is celebrated every year on 14th of February. It's the day when people show their affection for another person or to many people by sending cards, flowers, wishes or chocolates with messages of love - all in the name of St Valentine.
Where did Valentines Day originate from?
Valentine's Day is a recurring day on the calendar which was slotted into a mid-February holiday on the ancient Roman calendar called Lupercalia—which historians believe is what led to Valentine's Day being all about love. Lupercalia celebrated fertility, and may have included a ritual in which men and women were paired off by choosing names from a jar. In Ancient Greece, people observed a mid-winter celebration for the marriage of the god Zeus and the goddess Hera.
However, when it comes to the legend of Saint Valentine - there are multiple theories. One telling says that Saint Valentine refused to convert to paganism and was executed by Roman Emperor Claudius II. Before his death he miraculously healed the daughter of his jailer, who then converted to Christianity along with his family.
But another legend says (and this is how Saint Valentine became affiliated with a love-focused holiday,) Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who performed weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry. At the time of a Roman emperor believed married soldiers did not make good warriors meaning young men could not marry. So, Saint Valentine wore a ring with a Cupid on it as a symbol of love that helped soldiers recognise him. And, before greeting cards, he handed out paper hearts to remind Christians of their love for God. We prefer the latter!
READ MORE: The Best Valentine's Day Presents To Send To Your Friends
READ MORE: What Is Galentine's Day And Where Did It Come From?