During the Middle Ages, people in England and France held a belief that birds started to look for their mates beginning February 14. For this reason, February 14 was called the "Birds' Wedding Day" in parts of Sussex. This historical note helped to link Valentine's Day with love and romance and likely explains why today, one of the most popular customs of Valentine's Day observed worldwide is to go on a date with a sweetheart.

The community of Harlem will be honoring these ancient traditions and contemporary customs by offering a Valentine's Day Dinner in the Vet's Club building, located...