27 Interesting, Funny, & Statistical Facts About Valentine’s Day

19 Funny Facts About Valentine’s Day

1. Cupid Actually Started Out As A Greek God

Let us begin our Valentine’s Day fun facts list with the most common symbol for love – Cupid with his cherubic looks and angel wings. He was originally the Greek god, Eros. Eros was the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and procreation. Cupid is known to shoot two types of arrows – one to make people fall in love and one to make them hate each other.

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. Isn’t that one of the most interesting facts about Valentine’s Day?

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. The gift of a rose either on stems or in bunches of petals is an artful expression of love.

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. Valentine’s Day is all about the expression of love.

6. Alexander Graham Bell 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.  A greeting card with a personalized message makes for great memories, especially as you grow older together. 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.

Did You Know?

The first Valentine’s Day card was mass-produced in the USA by Esther A. Howland, entrepreneur and “Mother of the American Valentine.”

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. Now, that’s one interesting fact about Valentine’s Day we bet you didn’t know!

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.

Trivia

Legend has it that St. Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape a Roman prison. It is believed he was the first person to write a letter from prison, signing it, “From your Valentine.”

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. This is definitely one of the most surprising Valentine’s fun facts, isn’t it?

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.

If you are stunned by these fun facts about Valentine’s Day, hold your horse since there’s more! Let us take a look at what numbers say about this special day.

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 a celebration of love between people, people have now started to consider their pets as their valentines too, and why not! Approximately 9 million pet owners per year buy gifts for their pets on this special holiday.

Katie, a blogger shares her experience of celebrating Valentine’s Day with her pet cats. For this reason, she adds, “I still love the idea of a holiday all about love. And what better love than the unconditional love one receives from cats? (i)” She talks about her two male and two female cats and elaborates on how these furballs love her and shower their affection on her. She further adds, “These four fill my heart with love and meaning. I couldn’t ask for more from a valentine.”

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 such as a surprise date night 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.

Infographic: 5 Facts About Valentine’s Day May Not Know

Valentine’s Day is celebrated all across the world, but there’s more to this romantic day than meets the eye. Check out the infographic below for some interesting facts about this day. From its mythological significance to unique facts, these surprising insights will deepen your appreciation for this day of love and affection. Scroll down for more information!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

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’s 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. Valentine’s Day is a reminder to show love to the people you care about. Showing love is never limited to a romantic relationship.

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.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Cheyenne BostockLife & Relationship Expert

     

Cheyenne Bostock is a renowned Life & Relationship Expert who helps women foster healthy and fulfilling relationships with men. Through his books, online courses, mentorship programs, and live events, he imparts invaluable insights on cultivating and maintaining successful relationships. Cheyenne is the author of Food, Sex & Peace Of Mind: What A Woman Needs To Know To Keep A Man....more

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