Brace yourself for our Valentine’s Day fun facts which will prove this day is not just about chocolate and roses; but a festival with some pretty fascinating trivia that could make you wonder!
Let’s go on a journey where we learn the real story of Valentine’s Day and the myths and legends that are behind this one of the most popular holidays!
Ready to dig up the history behind Valentine’s Day? Then, buckle up as we dive into the heart-shaped box of facts that make this festival what it is – a blend of romance, history, quirks, and a dash of spirituality!
Also Read 40+ Heartfelt Valentine’s Day Quotes To Express Your Love
10 Valentine’s Day Fun Facts and Myths Debunked
Here are ten interesting facts that will help you learn the real story of Valentine’s Day!
1. The Many Faces of St. Valentine
Think Valentine’s Day is named after one romantic guy? Think again! St. Valentine could have been two or even three different people, all martyred by the Roman Empire for various reasons.
A tough time in the name of love? No, let’s bust one of the myths about Valentine’s Day once and for all!
The romantic legend that one St. Valentine was persecuted for helping couples to get married against the will of a Roman king was concocted and attached to the name of St. Valentine much later!
2. Animal Sacrifices And Matchmaking By Lottery
Many believe in the dark truth about Valentine’s Day. But before jumping to any conclusion, we ask you to keep an open mind while reading this.
Lupercalia was an ancient Roman festival celebrated on February 15th. Unlike the heart-filled, rose-scented Valentine’s Day we know today, Lupercalia was quite a different affair.
- Primarily a fertility festival, it was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture and fertility, as well as Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.
- The festival began with the sacrifice of goats and a dog. The goats symbolized fertility, while the dog represented purification.
- After the sacrifices, Luperci, or priests of Faunus, would cut strips, called “Februa,” from the goat skins. They would run around the Palatine Hill, lightly striking women with these goat-skin thongs. This act was believed to bestow fertility.
- In some versions of the festival’s history, the names of young women were placed in a jar and drawn out by young men. The pairs would be coupled for the duration of the festival, and sometimes the pairing lasted until the next year’s festival, leading to longer relationships and marriages.
Also Read Valentine’s Day Soulmate Quiz: Find Your Ideal Soulmate
The dark truth about Valentine’s Day is that there was in fact a Pagan festival celebrated during this time, however, the ancient culture, beliefs, and practices have been twisted over time.
It’s widely believed that the Church sought to “Christianize” Lupercalia by instituting St. Valentine’s Day on February 14th, close to the date of Lupercalia. Nonetheless, we’ve swapped sacrificial rituals for candlelit dinners!
Also Read 8 Ancient Pagan Practices That You Still Do Unknowingly!
3. A Rose by Any Other Number Would Smell as Sweet…But We Grow Them A Lot Anyway
Ready for this blooming fact? Nearly 250 million roses are grown for Valentine’s Day each year. That’s a lot of “I love you”s in petal form! Hope you’ve got your vase ready.
4. Big Spenders of Love
Americans don’t hold back when it comes to Valentine’s Day. They shell out big bucks on gifts and send a whopping 145 million Valentine’s Day cards annually. That’s a lot of paper and a whole lot of love!
5. My Furry Valentine
It’s not just humans getting in on the Valentine’s action. Americans spend millions on Valentine’s gifts for their pets.
In 2020, approximately 27.6 million American homes celebrated Valentine’s Day by giving gifts to their pet dogs, while over 17.1 million did the same for their cats.
Collectively, these households shelled out an estimated total of $751.3 million on Valentine’s Day presents for their pets.
Because let’s face it, who can resist those puppy-dog eyes?
6. A Day for Popping the Question
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about chocolates and flowers; it’s one of the most popular days to propose. So, if you’re planning a dinner date, you might want to double-check there’s no ring hidden in the dessert!
Unless of course, you’re one of the many (as studies suggest) who would love to get engaged on the Day of Love!
Also Read How To Ask Someone To Be Your Valentine: 8 Creative Ways to Pop the Question
7. When Love Meets Horror
In a twist that even Cupid couldn’t predict, Valentine’s Day horror movies are indeed a thing. According to research, watching and bonding over a shared interest in horror movies is quite romantic!
Apparently, nothing says ‘I love you’ like watching a heart-themed slasher film together, right?
8. Singles Unite!
Not in a romantic mood (or can’t find a date)? No problem! International Quirkyalone Day celebrates the single life on February 14th.
No, it’s not about bashing love at all, rather it’s all about self-love and independence – hey if Miley Cyrus can buy herself flowers, so can you!
9. It Was Not Invented By Greetings Card Company
Contrary to what bitter boyfriends have been ranting all over social media, this holiday wasn’t invented to sell cards by cunning business owners.
“Valentine’s Day is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap.”
Joel Barish from the movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
As the history behind Valentine’s Day suggests, long before Hallmark, Victorians were exchanging handmade Valentine’s cards. So next time you’re crafting a card, remember you’re continuing a centuries-old tradition of DIY love!
10. Cupid: Not Actually a Cherub with a Bow
As another one of the myths about Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about Cupid. He’s not just a chubby baby with a bow and arrow. In fact, he’s the Roman version of the Greek god Eros, who has quite a dark side.
- He was known to make men “go limp, mastering their minds and subduing their wills.”
- He can drive individuals to become possessive, jealous, and even manipulative in their relationships, leading to toxic dynamics.
- He is also associated with the suffering that can result from unrequited love or the end of a relationship.
- Eros possesses an irresistible allure that can cloud judgment and rational thinking. This can lead individuals to make impulsive decisions and engage in risky behavior in the name of love.
- He also represents the darker, more primal desires that can be associated with physical attraction. These desires can sometimes lead to immoral or unethical actions when pursued without consideration for the consequences.
So there you have it – ten Valentine’s Day fun facts that prove it’s a day steeped in history, humor, heartwarming traditions, and a hint of ancient history. Happy Valentine’s Day, or should we say Happy Lupercalia!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fun fact about Valentine’s Day candy?
The inventor of candy hearts initially began their journey by manufacturing medicinal lozenges. In the 1800s, Oliver Chase, a pharmacist from Boston, devised a machine aimed at streamlining the production of lozenges. Interestingly, this very machine was subsequently repurposed to craft heart-shaped candies adorned with printed messages.
What are some fun facts about Valentine’s Day for kids?
Even today chocolates are the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts. Richard Cadbury made the first chocolate box in the 1800s.
Why is it called Valentine’s Day?
It’s believed that a Catholic priest named Saint Valentine, who resided in Rome during the 3rd Century was persecuted for helping couples get hitched. Numerous tales surround the name St. Valentine, and as time passed, these narratives evolved into the legendary figure we recognize today.
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