Facts about valentine’s day you probably didn’t know

Nigerians and the rest of the world marks today as Valentine’s Day, a day seen as the holiday of love and romance.

Every year on February 14, children and adults alike shower their friends and loved ones with gifts that range from cards with endearing messages to chocolates, long-stemmed red roses, fine jewelry and much more.

It is a day that comes around once a year and is usually touted as a big corporate scheme. But Valentine’s Day is way more than just a Hallmark holiday.

Naija News understands despite the popularity of this love feast, many still do not have in-depth knowledge and understanding of this celebration

Here are some facts about Valentine’s day you probably didn’t know about

1. It has some pretty dark roots

Historians believe Valentine’s Day actually began in Ancient Rome as a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia, which included sacrificing animals and whipping women with animal skins until they bled, signifying their fertility. So romantic.

2. In the 1300s, it officially became a holiday associated with love and romance

The holiday was Christianized — no more animal sacrifices! — and was celebrated in mid-February because many believed that birds started their mating season on February 14, which is why doves are often associated with love.

3. Saint Valentine wasn’t just one person

In fact, he might have been two or three. But the most common “founder” of Valentine’s Day was Saint Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II. At the time, Claudius had banned marriage because he thought it distracted young soldiers. Valentine felt a bit differently — he illegally married couples until he was caught. After he was sentenced to his death, young couples would visit his cell and give him flowers and cards. And the day he actually died? February 14. Allegedly. But there have been multiple St. Valentines throughout history, including one pope. (He only served for 40 days in 827 A.D.)

4. The first valentines were sent in the 15th century

But not until the 17th century did people start exchanging cards and letters. And Valentine’s Day cards weren’t mass-produced until the 1840s.

5. Today, it’s a pretty big business

About 55% of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day and spend an estimated $18.2 billion a year, including more than $1.7 billion on candy alone. On average, men spend $150 on Valentine’s Day. And the women? Just $74. Step it up, ladies!

6. The most popular gift on Valentine’s Day is flowers

Followed by chocolate and then jewelry. Americans send more than 220 million roses each year, and as many as six million couples will get engaged on February 14. (February is the second most popular month after December for proposals.)

7. The first heart-shaped box of chocolates was introduced in 1868

Today, more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold each year. That’s 58 million pounds of chocolate.

8. Necco Sweethearts — a.k.a. conversation hearts — were invented in 1866.

Each box has approximately 45 sayings — including “True Love,” “Hug Me,” and “You Rock” — but you can personalize your own, too. And about 10 new sayings are added each year.

9. More than 8 billion conversation hearts are manufactured each year

And Necco has to start making them just days after February 14 to have enough in time for the next Valentine’s Day. That’s almost 100,000 pounds per day. But don’t worry if you still have last year’s box — they have a shelf life of five years.

10. Apparently, condom sales rise in February

Sales are almost 20% to 30% higher around Valentine’s Day. And maybe not so surprisingly, more at-home pregnancy tests are sold in March than any other month.

11. Lace is commonly used in Valentine’s Day decorations

It comes from the Latin lacques, which means to snare or to net, as in catch a person’s heart.

12. It’s celebrated differently around the world

Many Latin American countries know the holiday as el día de los enamorados (day of lovers) or día del amor y la amistad (day of love and friendship.)

Source: Naija News