If you haven’t made yourself an avid fan of Valentine’s Day, it is high time that you should. But, just like becoming a fan of a celebrity, you’ve got to know about the occasion well. Join Neroli Blume as it counts down to the top 10 fun Valentine’s Day facts that you ought to know.
10 Interesting Facts About Valentine’s Day You Didn’t Know
What are some cool facts about Valentine’s Day?
1. The Occasion Started as a Roman Fertility Festival
Photo: The Not So Innocents Abroad
It’s easy to conclude that Valentine’s Day came from what appears to be a Catholic festival, as its name is derived from St. Valentine, but you could be wrong. According to real Valentine’s Day facts and history, it started as a bloody pagan fertility festival dating back to the sixth century BC.
Known as Lupercalia, this festival was celebrated by Romans by sacrificing animals and slapping women with their hides, which was believed to make them more fertile. Later, the women would be matched with men “by lottery,” hence the idea of the occasion.
2. Four States in the USA Have Towns Named Valentine
Photo: Valentine’s in Valentine
Four states in the USA have towns named “Valentine,” and these are Arizona, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are romantic places.
3. Valentine’s Day Wasn’t Romantic Until the Middle Ages
Photo: Poetry Foundation
You’ve known that Valentine’s Day has its roots as a pagan festival, but it wasn't until the Medieval period when it became romantic. Except for the fact that birds mate during Valentine’s season or February, a Valentine’s Day poem was penned in the 14th century, saying, “For this was on Saint Valentine’s day, / When every fowl comes there his mate to take…”
The poet, Chaucer, then became the first to link Valentine’s Day and romance.
4. It Isn’t Your Partner Who Receives the Most Valentine’s Day Cards Unless They Are…
Photo: Mike Commins
… a teacher, that’s right. Teachers indeed receive the most number of Valentine’s Day cards in history, followed by kids, mothers, and wives.
5. The Earliest Known Valentine Has a Sad Love Backstory It
Photo: Doxdirect
The first Valentine’s Day story was a poem in the 15th century by the Duke of Orleans for his wife. However, this poem was penned inside a prison cell, making it sad, with the words, “I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine."
It took two decades more before the poet was able to get released from his cell.
Explore: What to Do for Your Boyfriend on Valentine’s Day?
6. Some People Also Want to Celebrate Their Pets on Valentine’s Day
Photo: Diamond Pet Foods
You’ve seen photos, stories, and posts of people who lounge with their pets on a lazy weekend. Similarly, there are pet owners who like to endow their furry friends with gifts, such as toys, clothes, beds, and more. And they are willing to spend tons for these.
7. Cupid Is a Secondary Valentine’s Day Mascot?
Photo: Brandeis University
This is because Cupid is not a Greek god but a Roman god. His Greek form was named Eros. It wasn’t until the turn of the 19th century that Cupid officially became a Valentine’s Day mascot.
Read more: Tulips for Valentine’s Day: A Romantic Rose Alternative
8. The Multiple Meanings of Flowers Harken Back to an 18th-Century Mix-up
Photo: PlantIn
The concept of flowers having different meanings dates back to the 1700s when a certain Lady Montagu sent a letter series from Türkiye to her residence in England to describe the Turkish flower language known as sélam. However, she misinterpreted it to mean that each flower symbolizes a distinct sentiment used to send love letters. Though this wasn’t true at all, the concept had already spread, and the language of flowers skyrocketed in the 19th century.
Among the many flowers associated with this trend, roses quickly rose to prominence as one of the most meaningful and beloved blooms. If you're curious to learn more, don’t miss these fun facts about roses that make them even more fascinating.
9. A Young Grad’s Valentine Startup Shaped the American Greeting Card Industry
Photo: Northern Cards
Esther A. Howland, a young Mount Holyoke graduate, transformed Valentine’s Day in mid-1800s America. Inspired by English designs, she crafted intricate lace-and-ribbon valentines that captivated buyers. Her true innovation was a home-based assembly line, slashing costs from a dollar to just five cents. This affordability fueled mass adoption, shaping the American greeting card industry and earning her the title “Mother of the American Valentine.”
Read more: How to Send Gorgeous Flowers to a Long-Distance Girlfriend?
10. Want to Have an Unforgettable Engagement? Pop the Question on Valentine’s Day
Photo: Barn at Crescent Lake
Though this can make or break the moment, what if she says no? However, Valentine’s Day remains the most popular time to propose to your partner.
Bottom Line
You will appreciate how you make Valentine’s Day a tradition for you and your significant other when you are familiar with the best and most interesting facts about Valentine’s Day. Some are mind-boggling, while others are shocking.
FAQ about Cool Valentine’s Day Facts
How Many Heart-Shaped Boxes of Chocolates Are Typically Sold Each Valentine's Day?
About 36 million heart-shaped chocolate boxes are sold annually in America.
What Is the History Behind Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day originates from ancient Roman festivals and Christian martyrs.
What’s the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Gift?
Chocolate remains the most popular Valentine’s Day gift worldwide every year.
However, if you are looking for a more romantic way to surprise your loved one, then choose to give flowers. Flowers are more than just a fragrance; giving them to your partner on Valentine’s Day has a long and rich history. Find the best flowers for various occasions only on Neroli Blume.
