In this lesson you're going to learn about Valentine's Day in the UK.

Roughly how much to the British public spend on Valentine's Day each year?

We'll show you the answer at the end of this video.

Valentine's Day used to be a day to admit to your love for someone with an anonymous card.

Instead of signing the card with your name, people would sign with either a question mark or the words "from your secret admirer".

Although this still happens, it is now more common to be upfront with your feelings.

Valentine's Day comes from Saint Valentine, who is widely thought to be a third century saint that died on the 14th of February.

However, it is possible that there are two Saint Valentine's that are linked to this day.

The second Saint Valentine died in the second century and is also said to have died on the 14th of February.

As well as Valentine's Day cards, people also buy gifts for their loved ones.

Popular gifts include chocolates, flowers, or stuffed toys holding Valentine's Day hearts or flowers.

Anyone can give presents, but there is a higher expectation placed on men to buy good gifts for their girlfriends and vice versa on Valentine's Day.

Although Valentine's Day is traditionally a day for lovers, it is also a day to express your feelings to anyone that you love.

Parents may send cards to their children and you can even buy Valentine's Day cards to your pets!

And now I'll give you the answer to the earlier quiz.

Roughly how much do the British public spend on Valentine's Day each year?

In 2011, it was calculated that the British public spend around £503 million on Valentine's Day cards and gifts each year.

That can buy a lot of chocolates and flowers.

How was this lesson? Did you learn something interesting?

Do you have a special day for lovers in your country?

Leave us a comment at English class101.com and we'll see you in the next lesson!