10 facts about Valentine’s you probably didn’t know
Valentine’s Day is known for its romance and sweet gestures, but behind the traditions lies a rich history.
From ancient customs to quirky superstitions, this holiday is full of surprising facts. Here are 10 lesser-known facts that reveal the surprising origins and customs of the day of love.
The First Valentine (1415)
The first recorded Valentine was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, while imprisoned in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt.
He sent a heartfelt poem to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac, expressing his longing for her. This early Valentine, written in French, is now preserved in the British Library and is one of the earliest examples of medieval love poetry.
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovers
While many think of Valentine’s Day as a time for couples, in some cultures, it’s actually a day to celebrate friendship.
For instance, in Finland, the holiday is called “Ystävänpäivä,” which translates to “Friendship Day,” focusing on platonic relationships instead of romantic ones.
Over 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day
Roses are the most popular flower given on Valentine’s Day, particularly red roses, which symbolize love and passion.
Each year, more than 250 million roses are grown specifically for the holiday, with the peak demand in the U.S. alone making up a significant portion of global rose sales.
The heart symbol wasn’t always associated with love
The heart shape we recognize today as a symbol of love was originally linked to emotions at all but was believed to represent the shape of a seed or even the human body.
In ancient times, the symbol was often used in art and literature for a variety of meanings, including fertility and life. It wasn’t until later, particularly during the Middle Ages, that the heart began to be associated with romantic love and passion.
The shift was influenced by cultural and religious symbolism, where the heart came to represent not only the physical organ but also the seat of human emotion. Over centuries, this association solidified, and today, the heart is universally recognized as a symbol of love and affection.
Valentine’s Day has pagan origins
Many historians trace the origins of Valentine’s Day to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was celebrated in mid-February. Lupercalia was a fertility rite dedicated to the Roman gods of agriculture and fertility, featuring rituals aimed at ensuring prosperity and healthy crops.
During the festival, young men and women were paired through a lottery system, where names were drawn at random to form temporary couples. This practice, which emphasized pairing and romance, is thought by some scholars to have influenced the later development of Valentine’s Day as a celebration of romantic love. Over time, the Christian church reinterpreted and incorporated elements of Lupercalia into the observance of Saint Valentine’s Day, blending both pagan and Christian traditions into the holiday we recognize today.
Chocolate became linked to love in the 19th Century
The connection between chocolate and Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the 19th century, thanks to Richard Cadbury, the British chocolate maker. In an effort to make his chocolates more appealing as a gift for the holiday, Cadbury began selling heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates specifically for Valentine’s Day.
This innovative marketing move quickly gained popularity, and soon, the tradition of giving chocolates as a symbol of love became widespread. Today, chocolate continues to be one of the most beloved and popular gifts exchanged on February 14th, further solidifying its association with romance and affection.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently in Japan
In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in a distinct way, with women giving chocolates to men, a tradition that began in the 1950s. The custom was popularized by a chocolate company’s marketing campaign, which encouraged women to express their affection through the gift of sweets. Unlike the typical Western tradition, where both partners exchange gifts, the gesture in Japan is one-sided.
Men are then expected to reciprocate by giving gifts to women on March 14th, known as “White Day.” This two-part celebration has become an integral part of Japanese culture, with distinct customs for each gender.
Valentine’s Day was banned in England
In the 17th century, Valentine’s Day faced a brief ban in England, largely due to the Puritans who opposed celebrations of romance and other forms of perceived frivolity. During this period, they sought to suppress festivities that they viewed as sinful or overly indulgent, including Valentine’s Day.
The ban was short-lived, but it highlights the changing attitudes toward the holiday over time, reflecting how cultural and religious views have influenced the way Valentine’s Day has been celebrated throughout history.
Valentine’s Day has global variations
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in diverse ways across the globe, with each culture putting its own spin on the holiday. In South Korea, for instance, the observance extends beyond just February 14th. The country celebrates Valentine’s Day each month, with distinct themes for each occasion.
In April, single people come together for “Black Day,” a unique tradition where they eat black noodles to lament their lack of romance. This monthly celebration reflects the different ways countries embrace or modify the spirit of love and connection.
Doves symbolise eternal love
Doves have long been linked to Valentine’s Day due to their reputation for forming lifelong bonds with their mates, making them a powerful symbol of eternal love and fidelity. This strong connection between the birds is often seen as a perfect representation of the enduring and faithful nature of romantic relationships, which is why doves are commonly featured in Valentine’s Day imagery. Their symbolic significance adds a timeless element to the celebration of love and devotion.
A rare Valentine’s Day superstition
In the 18th century, it was believed that women who received the most Valentine’s Day cards would marry within the year. This superstition suggested that the number of cards symbolized a woman’s desirability and foretold a quick engagement. To make their cards more meaningful, many people even crafted intricate designs or cut-out shapes, adding a personal touch to the tradition.
Valentine’s Day has a rich and unexpected history that goes beyond the chocolates and roses. These hidden facts offer a deeper appreciation for the holiday, showing that there’s always more to discover about the celebration of love.
Vanguard News
