Featured image from here
Valentine’s day is celebrated on February 14th of every year. (If you have a girlfriend/wife and you don’t know this, you are in big trouble). Here are three facts about Valentine’s day.
What are the origins of Valentine’s day?
Valentine’s day has Christian and Roman origins. It is said that in the fifth century, the Christian Church converted the pagan festival of fertility to Valentine’s day to honor Saint Valentine. Who is Saint Valentine?
One legend says that Saint Valentine is a priest who performed marriages of Roman soldiers in secrecy. Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for Roman soldiers because he thought single men performed better than married men in the battlefield. Valentine was put to death by Emperor Claudius for performing secret marriages.
Another legend says that Valentine was killed because he helped Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. It is said that the imprisoned Valentine sent a love letter to the jailor’s daughter, signed as ‘Your Valentine.’ The phrase, ‘your valentine’ is used to this day.
When did people start giving Valentine’s day cards & tokens?
Image credit: first card, second card.
The tradition of giving cards and tokens of love started in the middle of 18th century. In 1850s Esther A. Howland mass produced Valentine’s day cards in America, with colorful papers and ribbons. Now, about 1 billion Valentine’s day cards are sent every year.
What are the top Valentine’s day gifts?
Red roses and chocolates are the top gifts that are given on Valentine’s day. In United States, 58 million pounds of chocolate candy is brought during Valentine’s day. Red roses signify passionate love, hence they are popular flowers on this holiday. In 2010, 198 million roses were produced for Valentine’s day holiday.
Couples also go out for a nice leisurely dinner. Other gifts include sparkling wine and fine jewellery.
Image credit:chocolate, roses, dinner
Here is a fun infographic from history.com about Valentine’s day.
It doesn’t matter whether you are committed or single, go out and celebrate being alive and well! Happy Valentine’s day!
Quote for this post: We are most alive when we’re in love – John Updike
