2. ‘X’ Was Originally Not A Symbol For Kiss
Though we sign off our letters and texts X’s these days as symbols of kisses, this was not this letter’s original purpose. In medieval times, when people did not know how to sign their names, they would simply sign off with an X. To show their loyalty and affection, they would then kiss the X before sending the letter.
3. Candy Hearts Started Out As Medical Lozenges
The popular Valentine’s Day candy, candy hearts, started out as medical lozenges for the throat! Boston-based pharmacist Oliver Chase invented the machine that produced small medical lozenges. When he saw the popularity of these small pop-in medicines, he turned them into candy with cute messages on them.
4. Roses Symbolize Love
Roses are said to be the flowers of love. Venus, the Roman goddess of love, used to adore red roses. This story made people start spreading love by giving roses to the object of their affection.
5. Different Places Celebrate Valentine’s Day In Different Ways
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In Japan, women give chocolates to men. Men reciprocate this gesture a month later on March 14th, i.e., White Day. In Finland, February 14th is celebrated as Ystävänpäivä, which translates to Friends Day.
6. Alexander Graham Bell’s Applied For A Patent For The Telephone On Valentine’s Day
It was on this romantic holiday that Alexander Graham Bell applied for a patent for his revolutionary invention – the telephone! Now, the telephone is the biggest medium for sending and receiving Valentine’s Day greetings.
7. Valentine’s Day Is The Second Most Popular Day For Sending Cards
Valentine’s Day is a day when people all around the world send and receive cards. It is second only to Christmas in this regard. Valentine cards are mass-produced, and most of the stock is sold out by the time the holiday rolls around.
8. This Is The Day That Penicillin Was Introduced
Penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic and one of the greatest scientific discoveries, was introduced to the world on Valentine’s Day.
9. Lace Is Commonly Used In Valentine’s Day Gifts
Lace is commonly used to in making bouquets of roses and in other items during Valentine’s Day. The word ‘lace’ comes from the Latin word ‘laques’ which means to snare or trap a person’s heart. Isn’t that fitting?
10. The First Valentine Was Sent From Prison
The first Valentine ever sent was by Charles, The Duke of Orleans. When he was imprisoned after a war, he sent a love poem to his wife, who he would meet only 15 years later. Quite the romantic, wasn’t he?
11. ‘Wear Your Heart On Your Sleeve’ Is Quite A Literal Idea
In the old days, people would pick out a name from a bowl to find out who their Valentine would be. The chit they picked would then be pinned on their sleeve for the world to see!
12. There Is A Sad Reason Behind Giving Chocolates On Valentine’s Day
Physicians in the old days would recommend chocolate to people who were suffering from a broken heart or pining after a lost love. Ouch!
13. We Need To Thank Richard Cadbury For Chocolate Boxes
In 1861, Richard Cadbury invented the first chocolate box. Always the businessman, he realized that he could capitalize on Valentine’s Day by producing chocolate boxes and marketing them as something to be given to your sweetheart.
14. St. Valentine Was Quite A Rebel
St. Valentine, to whom this romantic holiday is dedicated, was quite the rebel. Emperor Claudius of Rome outlawed marriage because he believed that single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine went against his decree and performed wedding ceremonies in secret.
15. The Oldest Valentine’s Day Card Is 600 Years Older Than You
The oldest Valentine’s Day card was written in the 1400s. It has been preserved in the British Museum for all to see.
16. Valentine’s Day Was Declared By The Pope
Pope Gelasius declared the Valentine’s Day holiday around 498 A.D.
17. Roses And Baby’s Breath Make Quite The Combination
For years now, florists have been selling the ‘Signature Rose’ which comprises of a single red rose with a tuft of baby’s breath. This Signature Rose is especially popular on Valentine’s Day.
18. The Most Popular Valentine Card Recipients Are Teachers
According to a survey, the most popular recipients of Valentine’s Day gifts and cards are teachers, followed by children, mothers, wives, sweethearts, and pets.
19. Hallmark Did Not Make The First Known Valentine’s Day Card
Hallmark, then known then as Hall Brothers, introduced the Valentine’s Day card as we know it only at the beginning of the last century. The first Valentine’s Day card is said to have been given way before that in 1477. The lucky recipient is believed to be a man named John Paston, whose fiancé Margery Brews wrote him a love letter.
8 Statistical Facts About Valentine’s Day
1. A Popular Time For Getting Engaged
Approximately 6 million couples are said to get engaged every year on this romantic holiday.
2. Love Letters Are Still Romantic
Verona, Italy – where the popular Shakespearean tragedy Romeo and Juliet took place – receives more 6000 love letters every year from romantics all around the world. These letters are diligently answered by The Juliet Club.
3. Cards, Cards, And More Cards!
Every year, approximately 14 million cards are produced and sent on and around Valentine’s Day.
4. Chocolates Vs. Flowers? Chocolates Always Win
It has been noted that between chocolates and flowers, people tend to buy more chocolates for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate sales on this day are 75% higher than flower sales.
5. Heart-Shaped Boxes Are The Way To Go
Approximately 36 million heart-shaped boxes are sold every year on Valentine’s Day. These boxes are used to pack chocolates, gifts, and anything that may mean something special.
6. Pets Are The Best Valentines
While Valentine’s Day was originally celebrated for the love among people, people have now started to consider their pets as their Valentines. Approximately 9 million pet owners per year buy gifts for their pets on this special holiday.
7. Plans In Advance Aren’t Necessarily A Thing
Studies have proven that 64% of men around the world don’t plan the day in advance. Spontaneous plans are usually the way they roll!
8. Between Men And Women, Men Are Higher Spenders!
The average man spends more compared to women on Valentine’s Day. Studies have shown that men are more likely to spend up to $120, while women only spend up to $70. What is another name for Valentine’s Day? Saint Valentine’s Day and the Feast of Saint Valentine are other names for Valentine’s Day. Is Valentine only for lovers? Valentine’s Day is a day of love. Everyone can experience that love. All forms of love – for your family, friends, and kids – can be honored on this day. What do you do if you’re single on Valentine’s Day? Here are some things you can do on Valentine’s Day as a single person: • Try out a new bar/café. • Give yourself a makeover. • Start a new book. • Set up a DIY spa day. • Make Valentine’s Day cards for all of your buddies.
