February is a month when the air is a bit lighter, the shops turn a bit crimson and the world pauses to mark the greatest moment the world knows: love. Valentine’s Day, celebrated on Feb. 14 that is the grand finale actually starts a week earlier. Valentine Week (or “the Week of Love”) is a seven-day celebration in which each day reflects on the special romantic encounter.
Whether you’re in a longtime relationship, working out a new crush, or celebrating “Galentine’s,” knowing what it means to each day helps you plot a week that seems planned instead of something merely commercial. The year 2026 has added a delightful twist to the Valentine calendar: both the opening (Rose Day) and closing (Valentine’s Day) happen on Saturdays.
Its weekend-to-weekend format is so nice for elaborate surprise getaways and dates that you could expect. Here’s a full breakdown of the eight days that make the season of romance.
Rose Day: February 7 (Saturday)
The Day: Rose Day begins the week with the most beautiful messenger through the land to express unexpressed emotions. It’s a day to break the ice, or to tell someone they are loved.
The Tradition: Red roses represent depth of romantic love but the day’s meaning is not for couples.
- Yellow: To the friends who have been your rock.
- Pink: To praise and to say thank you.
- White: For starting fresh or just a peaceful gesture.
Propose Day: Feb. 8 (Sunday)
The implication (or meaning): If Rose Day was the introduction, Propose Day is the plot twist. It’s a time of courage and vulnerability on this day. Now is the time to talk to someone about how you feel. The Tradition: On this day, people pop the big question of marriage, but it’s also of equally important importance to anyone asking someone to be his or her “official” partner. Because it’s a Sunday in 2026, it’s an ideal day for a brunch proposal or a scenic walk at which you finally give your heart.
Chocolate Day: Feb. 9 (Monday)
The Meaning: Chocolate Day, after the emotional highs of Propose Day, offers sweetness and cheerfulness. It represents how “sweet” you need to try to stay in this relationship.
- The Tradition: Exchange expensive pralines, homemade fudge or a small bar of their favorite chocolate. In the corporate world, it’s a staple activity to leave a small treat on a partner’s desk to make that “Manic Monday” a little more bearable.
Teddy Day: February 10 (Tuesday)
What it means: Soft toys are a source of comfort, security and a “cuddly” feeling you need when you can’t be near. A teddy bear is a physical reminder of the love that remains on a bedside table or a desk.
- The Tradition: Gifting a plush toy that works for the person giving it. It’s a gesture that reassures you, “I want you to feel cared for and that I am here to protect you despite me going on vacation.”
Promise Day: February 11 (Wednesday)
The Meaning: Considered by many to be the most meaningful day of the week, Promise Day goes beyond mere gifts into the very beginning of any relationship: Trust.
- The Tradition: Couples offer the power of their vows to each other, without the need for grand, cinematic gestures. The biggest promises are often the simplest ones: “I promise to always listen” or, “I promise to prioritize our time together each week.”
Hug Day: February 12 (Thursday)
The meaning: Science tells us that a long hand-on hug releases oxytocin, our bonding hormone. Hug Day celebrates physical closeness and the reassurance that comes from a simple embrace.
- The Tradition: A warm cuddle which can make it much harder just to talk. It is a day of healing, comfort, peaceful silence and quiet communication.
Kiss Day: February 13 (Friday)
The Meaning: Before the main event, Kiss Day stands for closeness and a physical sealing of the week’s promises. It is a strengthening of the relationship.
- The Tradition: A kiss on the forehead for protection; on the hand for respect; or a romantic kiss to embody passion. Because it falls on a Friday this year, it is often the “eve” of the big Valentine celebration.
Valentine’s Day: February 14 (Saturday)
The Meaning: The end of the week! Named in honor of Saint Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest in Rome who arranged secret weddings for soldiers during certain years and has changed into a universally observed festival in which men and women will all enjoy every other love on earth: and this is one big thing.
- The Tradition: The Saturday timing for 2026 will be candle-lit dinners and weekend travels and late night celebrations. To celebrate the holidays as a whole family: Valentine’s Day will be an event for a special family reunion. Today is the day to go all-out, or to spend quality uninterrupted time with the person who has your heart in them.
