7 Valentine’s Day Fun Facts to Add to Your Knowledge Trove

Next month, people will exchange cards, candy, and flowers – all in the name of Saint Valentine. What’s the story behind this “patron saint of love” and his namesake day? Where did our valentine traditions come from?

Valentine’s Day – also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine – happens every February 14. Customs such as sending “valentines” and presenting flowers began in early modern England. They spread throughout the English-speaking world in the 19th century.

Today, Valentine’s Day is popular around the world. But who’s the mysterious saint who gave the day its name? And how did our modern traditions begin? In this post, we’ll look at some Valentine trivia for answers. Seven Valentine’s Day fun facts to read, share, and enjoy.

Let’s get started.

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History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day celebrates love, romance, and friendship. It’s one of the most popular holidays of the year. But how did it start?

Some sources say King Henry VIII of England declared the first Valentine’s Day in 1537. Others cite an earlier time, when a Roman called Valentinus showed heroic love for God and Church. Still others point to historic pagan roots.

According to History, Valentine’s Day began as a religious holiday. While it bears the name of a Christian martyr, it actually has Roman pagan roots.

7 Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

Valentine’s Day as we know it today is more secular holiday than religious observance. It’s the third most popular retail holiday in America, as per the National Retail Federation. Valentine’s Day spending reached $23.9 billion last year, the second-highest on record.

“Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for many Americans,” said CEO Matthew Shay. “Even more so as we navigate out of the pandemic. Retailers are ready to help them mark the holiday in a memorable and meaningful way.”

To help YOU celebrate Valentine’s Day – chocolate truffles, anyone? – here are seven fun facts about the holiday. Little bits of trivia to enjoy and share as a tuck-in gift or social media post.

Hallmark Studio Ink Valentine’s Day cards

1. The Valentine Legend

The story of Valentine’s Day and its patron saint is mysterious. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints named Valentine or Valentinus. Two clergymen and one man who suffered with companions in Africa. All were 3rd-century Roman saints, and all experienced martyrdom.

The saint we associated with Valentine’s Day experienced martyrdom on February 14, AD 278. He was a clergyman – a priest or bishop – who ministered to persecuted Christians. Stories about him vary, and the truth behind them is murky. But the Valentine legend affirms his appeal as an heroic and romantic figure.

2. Historical Pagan Roots

The Catholic Church placed the Feast of Saint Valentine in the middle of February for a reason. The intent was to counter the pagan observance of Lupercalia. The ancient Romans celebrated this annual fertility festival on the ides of February.

The Romans dedicated Lupercalia to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. They also recognized Romulus and Remus as the founders of Rome. According to legend, a she-wolf (or lupa) cared for these twin brothers as orphaned infants.

It is likely the Church used the Valentine feast to “Christianize” the pagans during Lupercalia. This pegged the raucous Roman party to the Valentine legend.

3. Heart on Your Sleeve

During the Middle Ages, unmarried men and women drew names to find their Valentine. For one week, they wore the names pinned to their sleeves so everyone would know their “true love.”

The phrase “wearing your heart on your sleeve” may stem from this tradition. Some sources credit the expression to William Shakespeare and Othello:

"For, sir,
It is as sure as you are Roderigo,
Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago:
In following him, I follow but myself;
Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,
But seeming so, for my peculiar end:
For when my outward action doth demonstrate
The native act and figure of my heart
In compliment extern, 'tis not long after
But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at: I am not what I am." (1.1.56-66)

4. Sealed With a Kiss

The link between kissing and the letter X may have ancient origins. The 24th letter of the alphabet has long been a Christian symbol.

Blind and illiterate people used the mark to sign documents. They kissed their signature as a show of sincerity. Thus, sealed with a “kiss of faith.”

Over time, X began to signify a different kind of kiss – a symbol of romantic love. Today, “sealed with a kiss” means written or sent with love. The SWAK acronym often adorns love letters.

5. Box of Chocolates

Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates in 1861. In 1907, Milton Hershey introduced chocolate “kisses” in the shape of teardrops.

So began the marriage of chocolate and Valentine’s Day.

As chocolate consumption grew, doctors discovered health benefits related to this sweet treat. During the Victorian era, some doctors even prescribed chocolate for a “broken heart.”

Today, chocolate is a popular Valentine gift and a heart-healthy treat. Enjoyed in moderation, of course. The organic chemicals in cocoa beans help improve heart disease risks.

6. Flowers of Love

Valentine’s Day is without a doubt the biggest day for sending flowers. Since the 17th century, flowers have been part of the Valentine’s Day tradition. Roses are the most popular choice.

Roses are the flowers of love. American florists deliver 250 million roses for Valentine’s Day. Men make up 73 percent of the flower sales, and they usually buy red roses for the women they love. One single red rose framed with baby’s breath – called a “signature rose” – is the preferred choice for many.

While roses are generally the flowers of choice, people send other flowers, too. Knowing what flowers mean helps send the right message:

• Red roses – love, passion, and romance
• Pink roses – love, gratitude, and appreciation
• White roses – marriage and spirituality
• Carnations – love, fascination, and devotion
• Lilies – purity, innocence, and rebirth

There is nothing better than fresh flowers to say, “I love you” on Valentine’s Day. Unless it’s a unique keepsake bouquet that lasts forever. Show your love with an exquisite paper art bouquet that’s sure to bring a smile.

7. Be My Valentine

Valentine’s Day is the second-most popular greeting card holiday after Christmas. Americans exchange 145 million Valentine cards every year.

Do you exchange Valentine cards with your loved ones? Vintage valentines are my favorites. I always include a Bible verse about love, like this one:

Wrapping It Up

There you have it: seven fun facts about Valentine’s day – the history, mystery, and customs. I hope you enjoyed reading these trivial tidbits. Add them to your knowledge trove, or share them with your friends. Happy Valentine’s Day! 💗

Related Posts

• 14 Beautiful Bible Verses to Share for Valentine’s Day
• 21 Christian Quotes About Love to Ponder on Valentine’s Day
• Dream or Dread – How Do YOU Feel About Valentine’s Day?

Now It’s Your Turn

Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in – and show off your trivia knowledge! What Valentine’s Day fun facts can you add to the list above?

Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a response, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.

Blessings, Annette

📋 NOTE – You are reading “7 Valentine’s Day Fun Facts to Add to Your Knowledge Trove.” A version of this post appeared on Blogger in 2016. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.

Photo Sources

• Public Domain Pictures | Pixabay | License

Reference Sources

• History
• National Geographic
• Wikipedia