Love returns to the calendar as Valentine’s Day invites hearts to flutter once more. The origins of the holiday reach back to medieval times, when a saint named Valentine is said to have signed a note that read Farewell from your Valentine. Over the centuries, the day evolved into a moment to express romantic affection, and gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and greeting cards became common.
The roots of Valentine’s Day lie in medieval times, when a saint named Valentine is said to have signed a card with Farewell from your Valentine. Centuries later, the day became a time for romantic affection, and people often expressed love through chocolates, flowers and cards.
Some view Valentine’s Day as a commercial trap driven by marketing and sales. Yet many see it as a genuine chance to share a meaningful expression of affection with a partner or someone special.
For those who find themselves single on February 14, celebrations take many forms. Some focus on loving family, friends, and pets. Others label the day Single’s Awareness Day (SAD) or Anti-Valentine’s Day, with playful activities such as beating heart-shaped piñatas.
And after February 14, chocolate prices often drop as retailers clear remaining stock, providing a practical perk for late shoppers.
Here are a few lesser-known facts about Valentine’s Day.
- Red roses symbolize love, and the letters in the word rose rearrange to Eros, the Greek god of love.
- Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, receives about 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet each Valentine’s Day.
- About eight billion candy hearts are manufactured each year.
- Each rose color carries a message: red stands for love and respect, white for purity, and pink for sweet thoughts.
- The number of blooms in a bouquet can carry a message: one for love at first sight, twelve for I love you, 108 for proposals, and 999 for a promise to stay together.
How will people celebrate Valentine’s Day this year?