We’re all aware that Valentine’s Day is for dedicated for the romantic ones, but why are we used to offer flowers and chocolate boxes to demonstrate our love? And where did it all start?
While there are many fun facts about this romantic holiday, these are by far our favourite:
Why is Valentine’s Day for lovers?
One of the most popular stories outlining the origins of Valentine’s Day dates back to 270 A.D. during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II who prohibited marriage because he believed single men made better soldiers. Bishop Valentine disregarded the Emperor’s wishes and continued to marry couples in secret until he was caught and thrown in jail for treason. He was executed on the 14th of February, which is why we celebrate St. Valentine’s every year on this date.
Why chocolate?
There are many reasons why chocolate is a popular Valentine’s Day gift. Aside from being an aphrodisiac, many say it was also Casanova’s favourite dessert.
Fun fact: Over 36 million heart-shaped chocolate boxes are sold every year.
Red roses
We all relate the colour red with passion and love. Legend also has it that Venus, the goddess of love, favoured red roses above all other flowers.
Fun fact: Almost 75% of all people who buy flowers on Valentine’s Day are men and over 50 million roses are given each year on this day.
Cards, gifts and champagne…
Most people take this holiday very seriously and put a lot of thought in planning a spectacular night out or a romantic getaway. They even make sure to purchase their gifts a week in advance – the typical Valentine’s Day presents include flowers, chocolate, teddy bears and candy. And of course, anything with cupid, pink hearts and kisses must be included in the mix!
Fun fact: If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleased to hear that more than 8 billion candy hearts will be produced this year.
Valentine’s Day peculiarities:
- White Day
The custom in Japan is someone different from our own. To express their love, women give men hand-made chocolate gifts on Valentine’s Day, while men reciprocate on the following month (White Day) by gifting a present that is three times as valuable as the gift they received on the 14th of February.
- Black noodles for the lonely
In Seoul and throughout South Korea, women give chocolate to men on the 14th of February. On the 14th of March, men show their love by gifting candy to their girlfriends and wives. All the single ladies and men who did not receive any candy or chocolate grieve on the 14th of April (aka Black Day) by going out and eating black noodles.
- A ban on Valentine’s Day
Believe it or not, this holiday is actually banned in Saudi Arabia. Gifting tokens of affection such as flowers, chocolates or presents is forbidden, and companies in the retail and hospitality industry are discouraged from promoting the holiday. Furthermore, people are not allowed to wear any red clothing; selling red objects on this day is likewise prohibited.
- Candle light dinner at McDonald’s anyone?
Many fast-food chains in the US, like McDonald’s and White Castle, organise something special on the 14th of February. It might not be very romantic, but it sure is great for anyone who is on a budget or in a hurry!
We hope you enjoyed our post. We wish you all a happy Valentine’s Day!
Great post! I just wanted to mention that White Day is celebrated in Japan the next month on March 14th, not the next day.
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That’s really funny. I wish I could celebrate St. Valentines Day in McDonald’s!:)