20 Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day You Probably Didn’t Know
Valentine’s Day is more than just chocolates and roses; it has a fascinating history filled with surprising traditions and quirky facts.
- Chris Graciano
- 5 min read
While most people associate Valentine’s Day with love, there is much more to it. This day is also full of fascinating facts. Here are 20 interesting facts that can help you perceive February 14 in a new way. From the history of card exchange to the amazing amount of confectionery produced each year.
1. Valentine’s Day Began as a Roman Festival
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Before it became a celebration of love, Valentine’s Day was based on Lupercalia, an ancient Roman festival held on February 15. The event involved sacrifices, matchmaking, and fertility rituals. Eventually, the holiday was Christianized and named after Saint Valentine.
2. Over 145 Million Cards Are Exchanged Annually
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Valentine’s Day is the second-largest card-giving holiday, just behind Christmas. Teachers receive the most Valentine’s cards, followed by children and mothers.
3. The First Valentine’s Day Message Was Sent from Prison
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The earliest recorded Valentine was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He sent love poems to his wife while awaiting his fate.
4. Conversation Hearts Were Originally Medical Lozenges
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Those tiny pastel candies with sweet messages started as throat lozenges. In the 1800s, a Boston pharmacist turned them into heart-shaped treats. Today, millions are produced each year with phrases ranging from classic to modern slang.
5. Cupid Comes from Roman Mythology
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The chubby cherub with a bow and arrow isn’t just a cute decoration; he’s based on the Roman god of love, Cupid. He was known for making gods and mortals fall deeply in love with a single arrow.
6. People Once Used to “Draw Names” for Valentines
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During the Middle Ages, young men and women would randomly pick names from a bowl to determine their Valentine. They would wear the chosen name pinned to their sleeve for a week.
7. Red Roses Symbolize Love and Passion
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The tradition of giving red roses dates back to ancient Rome, where the flower was linked to Venus, the goddess of love. The color red is associated with deep emotions, making it the perfect color for a Valentine’s gift.
8. The Most Popular Proposal Day
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More people get engaged on Valentine’s Day than almost any other day of the year, second only to Christmas. Restaurants, parks, and even the Eiffel Tower see a surge in proposals.
9. Americans Spend Over $25 Billion on Valentine’s Day
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Valentine’s Day is big business, with billions spent on gifts, fancy dinners, and jewelry. Flowers, chocolates, and greeting cards top the list of the most-purchased items.
10. Wearing Yellow or Blue on Valentine’s Day Has Meaning in Some Countries
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In some parts of Latin America, wearing yellow on Valentine’s Day signals that someone is single and looking for love. Blue, on the other hand, represents commitment and loyalty. These color-coded messages add an extra layer of fun to the holiday.
11. The First Heart-Shaped Box of Chocolates Was Created in 1861
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Richard Cadbury, the founder of the famous Cadbury chocolate brand, introduced the heart-shaped chocolate box. His goal was to boost sales and create a special treat for Valentine’s Day.
12. Some Countries Have an Anti-Valentine’s Day
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Not everyone embraces Valentine’s Day; places like Saudi Arabia have banned the holiday, considering it un-Islamic. In India and Pakistan, some groups protest the celebration, calling it a Western import. Meanwhile, some singles mark the day with humorous “anti-love” parties.
13. Japan Celebrates with a Unique Chocolate-Giving Tradition
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In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about women giving chocolates to men. They offer giri-choco (obligation chocolate) to friends and colleagues and honmei-choco (true love chocolate) to romantic partners.
14. Estonia and Finland Celebrate Friendship, Not Just Romance
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In Estonia and Finland, February 14 is called “Friend’s Day” (Sõbrapäev in Estonia and Ystävänpäivä in Finland). Instead of focusing only on romantic relationships, people celebrate friendships with small gifts and kind gestures.
15. XOXO Dates Back to the Middle Ages
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The common “XOXO” sign-off, symbolizing hugs and kisses, has medieval roots. In those days, people who couldn’t write signed documents with an “X” and kissed it as a sign of sincerity.
16. Pets Get Valentine’s Day Love Too
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Many pet owners spoil their furry friends with Valentine’s gifts. In the U.S. alone, millions are spent on treats, toys, and even Valentine-themed outfits for pets.
17. The World’s Largest Valentine Was Over 8,000 Square Feet
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In 2010, a group of schoolchildren in Canada created the world’s biggest Valentine. The massive heart-shaped card measured over 8,000 square feet. It was a sweet way to spread love on a grand scale.
18. The Oldest Known Valentine’s Poem Was Written in 1415
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The first recorded Valentine’s message wasn’t in a greeting card but in a poem. Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote it to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. His words still exist today as one of history’s earliest love letters.
19. The Philippines Hosts Mass Weddings on Valentine’s Day
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In the Philippines, thousands of couples tie the knot in mass weddings every February 14. These government-sponsored ceremonies provide an affordable way for couples to celebrate their love.
20. The Name “Valentine” Means Strength and Health
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The name Valentine comes from the Latin Valentinus, which means “strong” or “healthy.” It’s fitting that a holiday named after a saint with this name is all about love and passion.