Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th each year, is a global occasion to love and affection.
Couples take the opportunity to express their appreciation for one another and deepen their connection.
While the origins of this special day remain shrouded in mystery, it's significance in celebrating love is undeniable. To help you make the most of the day, here are ten fascinating facts about Valentine's Day, from its historical roots to the oldest known love poem!
1. Valentine’s Day is on February 14th Every Year
Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14th, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day. It’s believed this date was chosen because a priest named Valentine secretly performed marriages for couples against the orders of Emperor Claudius II of Rome, who had banned marriage, thinking unmarried soldiers fought better. Unfortunately, Valentine was caught and executed on February 14th in 270 AD.
2. A Day to Celebrate Love
Valentine’s Day is all about expressing your love—whether to a romantic partner, spouse, family, or friends. It’s the perfect occasion to show appreciation to those who matter most in your life.
3. The Origins of Valentine’s Day
As mentioned, Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a priest in Roman times. After his death, he was canonized, and the day was dedicated to his acts of love and kindness.
4. The First Valentine’s Day Was in 496 AD
Before Valentine’s Day became what it is today, there was a Roman festival called Lupercalia, held mid-February. During the festival, boys would draw the names of girls from a box and pair up for the duration of the celebration, sometimes even marrying.
5. Cupid: The Symbol of Love
Cupid, often depicted on Valentine’s Day cards and gifts, is the Roman king of love. Also known as Eros in Greek mythology, the legend goes that Cupid would shoot his golden arrows into people's hearts, causing them to fall deeply in love. His mischievous nature often led to both romantic and comedic situations, as the arrows could make even the most unlikely people fall for one another.
6. 85% of Valentine’s Day Cards Are Bought by Women
When it comes to buying Valentine’s Day cards, women tend to lead the way. Around 85% of cards are purchased by women, making them the primary card-givers on this special day. This trend reflects broader patterns in gift-giving on holidays, where women often take the initiative in expressing affection and love.
It could also be attributed to the cultural expectation that women are more likely to engage in emotional expression through physical tokens like cards, flowers, or chocolates. Additionally, this could be tied to the rise of personalized and heartfelt messages, with many women seeking to find the perfect words to convey their feelings to loved ones.
7. 73% of Flowers Are Bought by Men
Flowers, especially roses, are one of the most cherished gifts on Valentine's Day. Interestingly, men are responsible for purchasing around 73% of all flowers given on this romantic occasion. This trend highlights how men often take the lead in expressing their affection through these classic symbols of love. Whether it's a bouquet or a single stem, men frequently rely on flowers to convey their feelings, making them the dominant gift-givers when it comes to floral surprises on Valentine’s Day.
8. The Oldest Love Poem Dates Back 4,000 Years
The oldest known love poem is said to have been written about 4,000 years ago. Known as The Love Song for Shu-Sin this ancient Sumerian poem was carved into a clay tablet. The Sumerians, who lived in what is now modern-day, are credited with developing one of the first forms of writing.
9. Valentine’s Day is the Second Most Popular Day for Sending Cards
Valentine’s Day is the second most popular occasion for sending cards. The Royal Mail gets a busy day handling all the love-filled messages exchanged between loved ones. Will you be receiving a card this year?
10. The Red Rose Represents Love
The red rose has long been associated with love, thanks to it's connection to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. According to legend, her tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis, watered the ground where red roses grew. Today, the red rose remains a powerful symbol of passionate love, often signifying devotion that lasts until death.
