When you think of Valentine’s Day, you may envision lovely flower arrangements, heart-shaped balloons, plenty of sweets, and sentimental cards that will make you blush. Every year on February 14, couples all over the world celebrate Valentine’s Day to honor their partners, spouses, and sweethearts. They express their appreciation and celebrate their love for one another.
Despite the fact that its history is shrouded in mystery, there is no denying that this special day is significant for those in love. Here are some fun and interesting facts about Valentine’s day:
The first Valentine was written in a prison
At the age of 21, Charles, Duke of Orleans, was the first person to send a Valentine. The first recorded Valentine was created in a prison, arguably the least romantic setting imaginable. He sent a love poem to his second wife because he was imprisoned for more than 20 years, he would never see his valentine’s response to the poem he wrote to her in the early 15th century.
Cupid was the first Greek God
Cupid, the chubby infant with wings and a bow and arrow, has been associated with Valentine’s Day since ancient times. The Roman God, Cupid was inspired by the Greek god Eros, the god of love. Eros, the son of Aphrodite, would manipulate his targets’ emotions by using two sets of arrows, one for love and the other for hatred. Romans didn’t start telling stories about his misbehavior until he has taken on the youthful appearance we now recognize.
St. Valentine was not just one person
St. Valentine is the patron saint of the holiday, but there is some debate as to what St. Valentine's celebration actually honors. The holiday may have been inspired by at least two people named Valentine, including one Valentine who served as a priest in third-century Rome. According to legend, this Valentine disobeyed Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage (he believed it distracted young soldiers), performing illegitimate marriages in the name of love until he was apprehended and given the death penalty.
Americans send 145 million Valentine’s Day cards each year
According to Hallmark, 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent and received each year on February 14th. As a result, Valentine’s Day ranks second only to Christmas in terms of card exchanges. Without a doubt, a lot has changed since Hallmark Cards introduced their first Valentine’s card in 1913.
Nearly 6 million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day
What better day for a marriage proposal than one dedicated entirely to love and romance? Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days to propose, with up to 6 million couples getting engaged on February 14th. According to the survey results, Valentine’s Day was voted as the best day of the year to get engaged, and 40% of those who participated in the poll were men.
Galentine’s Day is becoming more well-known
Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation, played by Amy Poehler, declared the holiday for the first time on February 13, 2010. “Ladies celebrating Ladies”, according to Knopw, is the focus of Galentine’s Day. It’s like Lilith Fair but without anxiety.
Love birds are actual birds
Aganapornis birds are also known by this common name, despite the fact that it is now a common figure of speech. This parrot is indigenous to Africa and can be found throughout the continent’s eastern and southern regions. Many couples are referred to as “lovebirds” because the birds often travel in Paris.
The first ever Valentine’s Day was in 496
Lupercalia, a Roman festival, was previously held in the middle of February. During the festival, boys would draw a girl’s name from a box. They would stay with whoever they chose throughout the festival. They’d even get married on the occasion. The church later decided that this festival should be made a Christian holiday.
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is more than a cliche
In the middle ages, young men and women would draw names to determine their Valentine, and they would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for a week so that everyone would know their purported true feelings.
Valentine’s is not just for humans
The National Retail Federation reports that 27% of people celebrating Valentine’s Day in 2020 said they were also buying gifts for their pets, up from 17% in 2010. This indicates that people genuinely care about their pets. Although people used to celebrate Valentine’s Day to show their love for one another, people now view their pets as their Valentines. Every year on this particular holiday, about 9 million pet owners buy gifts for their animals.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Compiled By: Nikita Gautam
Photo Credit: Jakob Owens, Gigi, Gift Habeshaw, Clem Onojeghuo
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