10 Facts about Valentine Day
1. Valentine's Day traces its origins back to ancient Rome, where it was celebrated as Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture and fertility.
2. The tradition of sending love notes on Valentine's Day began in the 15th century, when the Duke of Orleans wrote the oldest known Valentine's Day poem to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London.
3. Each year, more than 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are exchanged globally, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas.
4. In addition to romantic love, Valentine's Day celebrates all forms of love and affection, including friendships and familial bonds, making it a day for everyone to express their appreciation for loved ones.
5. The red rose, a symbol of love and passion, is the most popular flower exchanged on Valentine's Day. It is believed to have been the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
6. Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways around the world. In Japan, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men, while in South Korea, there are separate days for men and women to exchange gifts.
7. The iconic heart shape, commonly associated with Valentine's Day, has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was believed to represent the seat of emotions and affection.
8. Saint Valentine, the patron saint of lovers, was a Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriage for young men and continued to perform marriages in secret. He was martyred on February 14th, hence the association with the holiday.
9. Valentine's Day is not only celebrated by couples but also by singles, who may participate in events like "Singles Awareness Day" or treat themselves to self-care activities and indulgences.
10. Beyond romantic gestures, Valentine's Day encourages acts of kindness and compassion, reminding us to spread love and positivity to those around us, fostering a sense of warmth and connection in our communities.