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NAWRB would like to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day, a day for celebrating love of all types—romantic, platonic, familial and even self-love! Several dozens of roses, numerous boxes of chocolates and gifts are exchanged across the globe, but how did this tradition begin?
Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine was not always related to red roses and heart-shaped chocolates; the legend is linked to martyrdoms of at least two saints named Valentine. One of the most accepted stories is associated with Saint Valentine of Rome who secretly performed weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry.
Before his fated execution, he wrote a note to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had healed, and signed it “Your Valentine.” In the late 400s, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as the day to remember and honor Saint Valentine. Read below for more interesting facts to share with your loved ones.
Valentine’s Day Facts
- One of the oldest surviving Valentine’s Day greetings is from 1415, written by Charles, the Duke of Orleans, to his wife while in captivity
- Fifty-five percent of Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day and spend an estimated $18.2 billion a year on gifts
- In the 1600s, Europeans took up the practice of exchanging Valentine’s Day greeting cards
- Americans send 141 million Valentine’s Day cards each year
- Nearly nine million Americans buy gifts for their dogs
- The most popular gift on Valentine’s Day is flowers, followed by chocolate and jewelry
- The first box of Valentine’s Day chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in the late 1800s
- Teachers receive the most valentines, followed by children, mothers, wives and significant others.
- The first Hallmark Valentine’s Day greeting was printed in 1913
Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or Singles Awareness Day, we hope your day is filled with love and appreciation for the people who bring you joy and comfort. Also, don’t forget to give love to the most important person in your life: yourself!