Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate Valentine's Day. The faith discourages participation in holidays and observances that are not explicitly rooted in Bible teachings, and leadership considers Valentine's Day to have origins in pagan and Catholic traditions unaligned with scriptural principles.
Official Watchtower publications (the organization's primary teaching materials) have counseled members to avoid Valentine's Day celebrations, gift-giving, and related customs. The reasoning centers on the belief that the holiday's historical associations—particularly with Saint Valentine and secular romantic traditions—make it incompatible with their understanding of Christian worship and devotion.
This stance reflects a broader practice within the faith: Witnesses also refrain from celebrating Christmas, Easter, birthdays, Halloween, and most secular holidays. They maintain that only two observances are scripturally mandated: the Memorial (a commemoration of Jesus's death) and the annual convention or assembly.
While individual Witnesses are technically not forbidden by doctrinal law from acknowledging Valentine's Day privately, the organizational culture strongly discourages it. Young Witnesses in school settings or those in secular workplaces may experience social tension around February 14th. Some congregations have issued reminders during holiday seasons advising members against participating in Valentine's traditions.
The approach reflects a broader theology emphasizing separation from "worldly" customs, though the degree of strictness can vary somewhat between congregations and regions. Members who openly celebrate such holidays risk social pressure or counsel from elders, though enforcement varies.