10 Fascinating Facts Behind Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Facts: The History Behind the Celebration
Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide with chocolates, flowers, and heartfelt messages. But did you know there are fascinating Valentine’s Day facts behind these traditions? From ancient Roman festivals to modern-day customs, here are 10 intriguing facts you probably didn’t know about this special day.
1. Valentine’s Day Dates Back to Ancient Rome
The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced to the Roman festival called Lupercalia. This fertility celebration, held in mid-February, involved rituals and matchmaking games. Later, in the late 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day, replacing the pagan festival with a Christian holiday. As a result, the date became significant for love and devotion.
2. Geoffrey Chaucer Popularized Valentine’s Day as a Romantic Celebration
The association of Valentine’s Day with romance began with the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer. In his 1375 poem Parliament of Fowls, Chaucer wrote about birds choosing their mates on February 14, marking the day as a romantic occasion. Consequently, this poem influenced many Valentine’s Day traditions that followed.
3. Saint Valentine: One Name, Two Legends
The Catholic Church recognizes multiple saints named Valentine. Interestingly, one legend tells the story of a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s order by performing secret marriages for young couples. Meanwhile, another account attributes the holiday to Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop who was also martyred for his faith.
4. The First Valentine’s Day Card Was Sent from Prison
The first known Valentine’s Day card was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orléans. While imprisoned in the Tower of London, he wrote romantic poems to his wife. To this day, his letters are preserved in the British Library.
5. Roses Became a Valentine’s Day Symbol Thanks to Mythology
Roses have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day because of their connection to love goddesses like Aphrodite in Greek mythology and Venus in Roman mythology. In particular, the red rose symbolizes passion and deep affection.
6. The Origins of Candy Hearts
The popular candy hearts with messages like “Be Mine” and “Love You” were created as medicinal lozenges. Over time, the candy-making process evolved, and the sweet messages became a Valentine’s Day tradition.
7. Valentine’s Day Facts from South Korea
In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently. On February 14, women give chocolates to men. Then, a month later, men return the gesture on White Day. Additionally, singles observe Black Day on April 14 by eating jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) as a way to share their singlehood experience.
8. Verona Receives Thousands of Letters for Juliet
The Italian city of Verona, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, receives thousands of letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day. Surprisingly, the Juliet Club responds to these letters and even awards a prize for the most touching message.
9. The Role of XOXO in Valentine’s Day Messages
The “X” in “XOXO” represents a kiss and comes from medieval times when people who couldn’t write signed documents with an “X” and then kissed it to show sincerity. Eventually, this tradition evolved into a common symbol of love and affection.
10. Valentine’s Day is Big Business
Valentine’s Day is one of the most commercially significant holidays. For instance, billions of dollars are spent on gifts like chocolates, flowers, jewelry, and romantic experiences like dinners and vacations.
FAQs About Valentine’s Day Facts
1. What is the origin of Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day originated from the Roman festival Lupercalia, which was later Christianized by Pope Gelasius I in the 5th century.
2. Why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses?
Roses symbolize love and passion, inspired by their connection to Aphrodite and Venus in ancient mythology.
3. Who was Saint Valentine?
Saint Valentine was a priest or bishop who performed secret marriages for young couples during Emperor Claudius II’s reign.
4. Why do people send Valentine’s Day cards?
The tradition began with Charles, Duke of Orléans, who sent romantic poems to his wife while imprisoned in 1415.
5. What are some unique Valentine’s Day traditions around the world?
In South Korea, women give chocolates to men on February 14, while men reciprocate a month later on White Day.
Sources:
- CBS News: Why Do We Celebrate Valentine’s Day?
- People: Fun Valentine’s Day Facts
- Jagran Josh: Valentine’s Day 2025: Quotes, Wishes, and Messages