Though not a federal holiday, Valentine’s Day is a beloved time to recognize love and friendship. To young children, it means giving cards and candy. For others, it can be a day to dote on the ones they love. Due to its commercial nature and seeming lack of deep significance, people hold a common misconception that Valentine’s Day is only celebrated in a few countries. Some people consider it a “Hallmark Holiday,” only celebrated to benefit the popular greeting card store from which many Valentine’s Day gifts are sold. But in fact, Valentine’s Day is commonplace in any country with residents who practice Christianity, in addition to other countries that have picked up the more commercial aspects.

According to the History Channel’s website, the day’s official name is actually St. Valentine’s Day, named after Saint Valentine of the Catholic Church. There are many myths surrounding the Saint, and no one is exactly sure of the story behind the holiday. However, Saint Valentine is nearly always portrayed as a romantic figure, which likely influenced the nature of the holiday.

The original purpose of the day, which falls in the middle of February, is also a mystery. The website states that some believers of the Saint think that the holiday is a day to remember him, while others think that Valentine’s Day took a cue from the Ancient Roman culture. Lupercalia, an annual fertility festival celebrating Roman gods and the founders of Rome, fell around Feb. 15. There is a theory that the Christians placed Valentine’s Day during the festival in order to “‘Christianize’ the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.”

Though Feb. 14 was officially declared Valentine’s Day in the fifth century, it is unknown when the theme of love came into the picture. Today, Valentine’s Day is a popular time to exchange cards, notes, candy, gifts or poems depicting love or friendship.

While couples often appreciate this holiday more than their single counterparts, it’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day is just one of the 365 days in a year. Being single doesn’t equate being alone, and many people take this day to celebrate with friends and family.