Every February, millions of people around the world celebrate the romantic occasion known as Valentine’s Day. But when it comes to writing the name of the holiday, some people pause and wonder: Should it be written with an apostrophe or not? Is it ‘Valentine’s Day,’ ‘Valentines Day,’ or even ‘Valentines’ Day’? While it might seem like a small punctuation mark, the apostrophe plays a meaningful role in conveying proper grammar, possessive form, and historical context. Understanding the correct form and why it matters helps clarify usage in writing, signage, and communication. This topic explores the correct spelling, the function of the apostrophe, and how this grammar point affects the meaning of ‘Valentine’s Day.’
The Role of the Apostrophe in English
In the English language, apostrophes serve primarily two functions: to show possession and to indicate omitted letters in contractions. For example, in ‘John’s book,’ the apostrophe indicates that the book belongs to John. In a contraction like ‘don’t,’ the apostrophe replaces the missing letter ‘o’ from ‘do not.’ So when an apostrophe appears in a holiday name like ‘Valentine’s Day,’ it’s most likely being used in a possessive sense.
Possessive Form in Holiday Names
Several holidays in English include apostrophes because they are named in honor of someone and imply possession or association. For instance:
- Mother’s Day– the day belonging to or honoring mothers
- Father’s Day– the day belonging to or celebrating fathers
- New Year’s Eve– the eve belonging to the New Year
In these examples, the apostrophe before the ‘s’ suggests that the holiday is meant to celebrate or recognize a specific group or individual. Similarly, ‘Valentine’s Day’ is a celebration in honor of Saint Valentine, making the possessive apostrophe grammatically appropriate.
The Correct Form: Valentine’s Day
The grammatically correct and widely accepted form is ‘Valentine’s Day,’ with an apostrophe before the ‘s.’ This indicates that the day belongs to or is dedicated to Saint Valentine. The name originates from the Catholic tradition of honoring a Christian martyr named Valentine, and over time, the day has evolved into a global celebration of love, affection, and romantic relationships.
Why Not ‘Valentines Day’ or ‘Valentines’ Day’?
It is not uncommon to see alternative spellings, especially in informal settings. Let’s break them down:
- Valentines Day (no apostrophe)– This version omits the possessive form, which is grammatically incorrect. It treats ‘Valentines’ as a plural noun rather than showing possession.
- Valentines’ Day (apostrophe after the s)– This version implies that the day belongs to multiple people named Valentine, which is not historically or grammatically accurate.
For these reasons, both ‘Valentines Day’ and ‘Valentines’ Day’ are considered incorrect in formal writing, academic contexts, and most style guides. The proper form remains ‘Valentine’s Day.’
Valentine’s Day in Popular Usage
Despite the grammatical rules, many people casually omit the apostrophe when typing on social media, text messages, or greeting cards. This trend is largely due to the informal nature of these platforms and the perception that small punctuation marks don’t affect the meaning significantly. However, in formal writing or published materials, adhering to the correct grammar is essential.
Style Guides and Standards
Most major English language style guides, including the Associated Press (AP), Modern Language Association (MLA), and the Chicago Manual of Style, support the possessive form ‘Valentine’s Day.’ Dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster and Oxford English Dictionary also list ‘Valentine’s Day’ as the standard entry. This consensus reinforces the importance of using the apostrophe correctly.
The Historical Context Behind Valentine’s Day
Understanding the origin of the holiday gives even more meaning to the apostrophe. Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who lived during the third century. According to legend, he performed secret marriages for young lovers during a time when marriage was banned by Emperor Claudius II. Saint Valentine was eventually martyred and later canonized. February 14th became associated with love due to the romantic nature of his actions and the timing of a Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia.
Since the day commemorates Saint Valentine’s sacrifice and devotion, the name Valentine’s Day is both historically accurate and grammatically correct. It signifies a day belonging to Saint Valentine hence, the possessive form.
Modern Implications of Using or Omitting the Apostrophe
In digital communication, omitting the apostrophe may not raise alarms, but in formal settings such as writing topics, business content, marketing materials, or academic papers, the correct usage is important. It reflects attention to detail, respect for language rules, and adherence to tradition. Brands and companies often ensure correct spelling in campaigns to avoid criticism or the appearance of sloppiness.
Marketing and Branding Examples
When businesses prepare seasonal content for February 14, they often include Valentine’s Day in advertisements, promotions, and emails. Using the correct punctuation in such materials enhances credibility and professionalism. An error in spelling can weaken brand trust or make the content seem less polished.
Tips to Remember the Correct Usage
To avoid confusion when writing about Valentine’s Day, consider the following tips:
- Always use an apostrophe before the s – ‘Valentine’s Day’
- Remember it is a day belonging to or honoring Saint Valentine
- Check style guides or dictionary entries if in doubt
- Use spelling and grammar tools to catch common punctuation mistakes
The correct way to write the name of the romantic holiday is ‘Valentine’s Day,’ with the apostrophe before the ‘s’ to indicate that the day is associated with Saint Valentine. While casual communication may sometimes skip punctuation, understanding and using the correct form in formal writing is essential. This small mark the apostrophe carries a meaningful weight, linking the celebration of love to its historical and grammatical roots. Whether writing a card, designing a poster, or crafting an topic, using ‘Valentine’s Day’ correctly reflects both accuracy and appreciation for language. So when February 14 comes around, make sure to share the love and the apostrophe.