Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a day filled with love, romance, and chocolates. But how did this tradition begin? And what are some lesser-known facts about this popular holiday? Here are some interesting facts and history you need to know about this day.
- In Japan, women traditionally give chocolates to men on Valentine's Day, while men reciprocate a month later on White Day.
- According to the International Center, in Denmark, pressed white flowers called "snowdrops" are exchanged as tokens of love and affection.
- In Italy, men traditionally give women Baci Perugina, small chocolates wrapped in love notes.
- The tradition of exchanging chocolates on Valentine's Day began in the 19th century with Richard Cadbury, who marketed his chocolates as a romantic gesture. History.com mentions: “The Valentine’s Day tradition of giving a box of candy was started in the 19th century by Richard Cadbury, a scion of a British chocolate manufacturing family.”
- According to the National Retail Federation, consumers spend an average of $185.81 per person on Valentine’s Day gifts.
- The origins of Valentine's Day may lie in a rather gruesome Roman festival called Lupercalia, held in mid-February.
- The oldest known valentine still in existence was written in the early 15th Century by the Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
- There are two Saint Valentines associated with the day, but neither is very well known. One was a priest who was executed in Rome in 270 AD, while the other was a bishop who was martyred in Terni, Italy, around the same time.
- In the 18th century, commercially printed Valentine's Day cards began to appear. These cards were often mass-produced and featured sentimental messages and romantic imagery.
- According to Eagle-Link Flowers, “It is estimated that more than 250 million roses are produced for Valentine's Day.”
- Finland celebrates Valentine’s Day as Friend’s Day. The Finnmark Sauna mentions: “In fact, the Finnish term for Valentine's day, Ystävänpäivä, translates into “Friend's Day.” Finns began to celebrate Ystävänpäivä in 1980. Since then, the 14th of February has been marked in calendars as a day to remember and appreciate friendships.”
- According to Hallmark, over 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year.
- The first known Valentine's Day poem, "Parlement of Foules," by Geoffrey Chaucer, was written in 1375 and mentions February 14th as a day for lovers.
- In the Philippines, couples hold mass weddings on Valentine's Day.
- According to National Retail Federation, candy is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift, followed by greeting cards.
- Necco produces over 8 billion candy hearts every year.
- Celebrating platonic love with friends also known as Galentine’s Day has become increasingly popular on February 13th.
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