Whether you are a fan of Valentine’s Day or not, its always fun to learn cool facts about the different Holidays. Here are 10 Interesting Facts about Valentine’s Day that you probably didn’t know
Saint Valentine’s Day
One theory is that in ancient Rome, one man decided to continue to wed young men and women even after it was outlawed by Emperor Claudius II. Marriage was outlawed because he thought that it would interfere with military progress. Saint Valentine is thought to have been one of the many that contributed to the history of Valentine’s Day. February 14 is supposedly the date that he was killed for his outlaw behavior.
Origins of Valentine’s Day
One of the origins of Valentine’s day was the pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia that occurred between February 13-15. During the festival priests would sacrifice animals then use them as a fertility blessing to women. This was accomplished by hitting the women with the bloody hides of the dead animals. The festival was later changed by the Church to Saint Valentine’s day in order to overshadow the pagan festival.
Valentine’s Day Cards
For many years people exchanged hand made cards for Valentine’s day in England. During the technology boom of the 1800s, printing technology improved as well. The first Valentine’s Day cards were mass-produced in the United States in the 1840s. They were made by Esther A. Howland who founded the New England Valentine Co. Hallmark didn’t get into the business until 1913.
Box of Chocolate
The man behind it? Richard Cadbury, son of John Cadbury the founder of Cadbury. After they had figured out a way to improve their chocolates, He created fancy boxes to put chocolates in and introduced heart-shaped boxes in 1861 for Valentine’s day.
Related Reading: 10 Interesting Facts about Candy and Famy Valentine’s Day
“Conversation” Candy Hearts
Pharmacist Oliver Chase created a machine that could mass-produce medical lozenges in 1861. After realizing he could also produce candy with the machine the first wafer candies were produced. But it wasn’t till his brother came up with the idea to print messages on them in 1866 that the first “conversation” candies were manufactured.
Flowers Anyone?
The tradition of giving flowers goes back to the Victorian Era. During this time people often expressed their feelings through floriography (the language of flowers). During this time people often sent messages through flowers to each other that they couldn’t normally say. For those that understood floriography, whole conversations could be had just by the simple act of sending a bouquet of flowers. Today it is more to show love or appreciation than to flirt without anyone else knowing.
The Original Cupid
The Greek god of love Eros was the basis for Cupid. Long before he got his look as a cherub, he was thought to be one of the first “sex” symbols due to his unnaturally good looks and ability to attract both gods and humans. In Roman mythology, he was called Cupid and the son of Venus, the goddess of love. In the Renaissance artists started to paint him as a cherub, which looks like a chubby naked child. This depiction of him remains today and is one of the more popular images associated with Valentine’s Day.
Who Gets the Most Cards
Valentine’s day is the second biggest day for the greeting card industry. Christmas beats it each year. Teachers win the prize for receiving the most cards with children, mothers, and wives following behind. Each year about 140 million Valentine’s day cards are sent.
Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends
Humans are not the only ones to receive gifts on Valentine’s Day. Each year over $600 million is spent on gifts for pets. Over 5 million families gave gifts to their dogs on the holiday. And about 2 million bought gifts for their cats too.
Around the World
While most countries celebrate Valentine’s Day much as we do here in America, some have slightly different traditions. In Japan, women are the ones to buy chocolates and gifts, not men. A month later men return the favor on March 14th. This day is referred to as “White Day” because white chocolate is the most common candy gifted.
So there you go, 10 Interesting Facts about Valentine’s Day that you probably didn’t already know. If there are any others that you can think of, let me know in the comments.