10 Interesting Facts About St. Valentine’s Day 💕

Named After a Saint:
Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from the 3rd century, known for performing secret weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry.

1. Two Saint Valentines:
   There were actually two Saint Valentines recognized by the Catholic Church—both martyred on February 14th, which adds to the mystery behind the holiday’s origins.

2. Origins in Ancient Rome:
   The holiday is believed to have evolved from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February, later Christianized as Valentine’s Day.

3. First Valentine’s Card:
   The oldest known Valentine’s card was sent by Charles, Duke of Orléans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.

4. Massive Card Exchange:
   Over 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged each year, making it the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.

5. Symbol of the Heart:
   The heart became a symbol of Valentine’s Day during the Middle Ages because it was believed to be the center of emotions and love.

6. Cupid’s Role:
   The cherubic figure Cupid comes from Roman mythology—he’s the god of love, known for making people fall in love with his magical arrows.

7. A Global Celebration:
   Valentine’s Day isn’t just popular in the U.S. and Europe; it’s also celebrated in countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, each with unique traditions.

8. Not Just for Lovers:
   In countries like Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is more about celebrating friendship than romantic relationships.

9. The Flower of Love:
   The red rose is the most popular Valentine’s flower because it was believed to be Venus’s favorite bloom, the Roman goddess of love. 🌹