What is the meaning of Valentine's Day?

It's a cynical attempt to screw even more money out of people in the period between Christmas and Easter, all for the illusion of feeling loved. It's a load of bollocks.

An invention I guess. There was a St Valentine but I'm sure he wasn't known for flying around with a quiver of arrows.

It originates some few hundred years ago. A true Romeo and Juliet situation. The girl was from one religion the boy was from another. One religion was persecuting the other followers. The girl wanted to help the boy (because he was thrown in prison). The boy sent her a note saying how much he loves her. He stood by his religion and endured imprisonment, although he stayed loyal to his love too. The boy was called Valentine and because he stood by his religion and for his endurance he was given sainthood.

absolutely sod all,,,,,,,,,, its a made up date from the card companies.

It goes back to St. Valentine. The more blatant version, a romantic public day, prolly started round the 1920's or 30's when gits realised there was money to be made. On the other hand, I love Valentines and Christmas, and Easter. I spend to match my budget and do not let myself worry about it. --That Cheeky Lad

I know that Samuel Pepys wrote often in his Diary about Valentines days traditions in the 17th Century The man often did not choose his wife as a Valentine but usually a friends wife and the friend would choose his wife. The gifts then were usually a Dozen pairs of good gloves, gifts were given to the lady only (though i did see several references to the husband being given a small gift a book in Pepys case) Small gifts were said in the diary to be given throughout the year but the gloves were the main gift. It was by all that i have read as a sign of respect to the Lady