The History Behind 25 Holidays Coming Up in 2018

To get 2018 started on a festive note, here's TIME's guide to the history behind some of the major dates on the 2018 American holiday calendar: January Martin Luther King Day: For Jan. 15, learn why the holiday didn't become law until 1983, though the civil rights leader died in 1968. February Valentine's Day: On Feb. 14, impress your date with your knowledge of how the heart symbol became associated with love.

Ash Wednesday: And for the other Feb.