Shopping for gifts, planning a date night and arranging lots of heart-themed crafting! You must have guessed by now what we’re talking about. Yes, Valentine’s Day! Though you would be celebrating the entire Valentine’s week with full enthusiasm, passion and lovey-dovey gestures, have you wondered why we exactly celebrate this day? Of course, you have grown up knowing all about the season of love, but did you know there’s more to the occasion than flower arrangements and chocolates? With that said, here are 15 interesting facts about Valentine’s Day that may surprise you.
The Origin of Valentine’s Day
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The origin of Valentine’s Day is traced back to ancient Rome, where a festival was held in honour of a martyr named Saint Valentine. People believed that he performed secret marriages for young couples, which the Roman Empire forbade. Today, the festival is celebrated as a day of honouring love & commitment and people in many countries around the world observe it with full enthusiasm.
The First Valentine’s Day Card
The first Valentine’s Day card was sent in the 15th century by the Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was captive in the Tower of London. This marked the beginning of the tradition of sending cards, which has become a popular way of expressing fondness.
The Love Letters
Valentine’s Day is also associated with sending love letters. This is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century when people would send love letters and poems to express their heartfelt feelings. The custom is active even today.
The Sweetest Gift
Chocolates have become a staple gift for V-Day and it’s no surprise why. They have been associated with love, sweetness and romance since the 15th century and have been a popular gift for many years. In fact, nearly 36 million heart-shaped boxes of Valentine’s Day chocolates are sold every year. Richard Cadbury sold the first box of chocolates specifically marketed for Valentine’s Day in the 19th century.
The Flower of Love
Flowers have also become a popular gift for the D-Day, with red roses being the most popular choice. Red roses are a symbol of love and passion and have been associated with Valentine’s Day for many years. Approximately 198 million Valentine’s Day roses are produced for Valentine’s Day each year. Also, in the medieval era, birds were often given as Valentine’s Day gifts, as they were seen as symbols of love and fertility.
A Love for Animals
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Valentine’s Day is not just for humans, but it’s also a day to celebrate with pets. Many people choose to give gifts and shower affection towards their pets, making it a special day for all loved ones.
The Day of Love in Japan
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In Japan, Valentine’s Day is not just a day to celebrate romantic love, but it is also a day to celebrate adoration and affection towards friends and family. So, on this day, women give chocolates to men, and men give gifts in return on White Day, March 14th.
The Love Quilt
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In medieval times, young girls would stitch love notes into a quilt on Valentine’s Day. This quilt would then be hung in the town square for all to see, symbolising their love and affection for their chosen Valentine.
The Love Knots
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People would also exchange love knots in medieval times on V-Day. These love knots were symbols of love and affection and were often made from ribbon or twine. There is a special way to tie them to represent the love and commitment between two people.
The Valentine’s Day Massacre
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The day of love has a dark side too. On February 14, 1929, seven members of the North Side Gang were murdered in a Chicago garage. It came to be known as the Valentine’s Day Massacre. It was one of the deadliest incidents in the history of organised crime in the United States.
The Love Poems
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Valentine’s Day is also associated with love poems. As a result, many people choose to write love poems or love letters as a way of expressing their feelings on this official day of love. The most famous love poem of all time is probably “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare.
The Holiday for Singles
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For those who are single on V-Day, there is a holiday for you! It’s called “Singles Awareness Day” and is celebrated on February 15th.
The Love Letters to Juliet
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In Verona, Italy, there is a tradition of writing love letters to Juliet. The tradition began in the 16th century, and it is said that the spirit of Juliet still receives love letters from all over the world. Thus, people visit the house of Juliet in Verona and write love letters to her, hoping to find a suitable relationship for a lifetime.
The Love Locks
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In many cities around the world, there is a tradition of attaching love locks to bridges and other structures. Couples write their names on a lock, lock it to the bridge, and throw the key into the water. The act symbolises their love and commitment to each other.
The Love Festivals
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It is also associated with love festivals, held in many cities around the world. These festivals are a celebration of love and affection, and often include music, dance, food, and other activities. Some of the largest love festivals in the world include the Saint Valentine’s Day Festival in Verona, Italy and the Love Parade in Berlin, Germany.
Valentine’s Day has a rich history and people around the world celebrate the day in many different ways. Whether you’re in a relationship or single, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate the love and happiness in your life. Moreover, it shows appreciation for those who are special to you. So, go ahead and surprise your loved one with a special gesture this V-Day!
