246 Fun Valentine’s Day Trivia Facts You Didn't Know - EverythingMom (2024)

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There are certain occasions, festivals, or holidays that are beloved throughout the universe, and one such occasion is of Valentine’s Day. It’s the official day of love, a day to spend with the person you adore, admire, or even have a crush on.

While some might argue that every day is a day to celebrate love, a thought which indeed is honorable, there is absolutely no harm in having a separate day that is all about celebrating love in different ways and spreading it all over the world.

You may have celebrated Valentine’s Day plenty of times in your life so far, but have you ever wondered where this day originated from? Or what is the history and significance behind it?

Oh yes, there are many such stories and facts that one can trace back to its origin and inception. Who knew that a day which is known for fancy dates, gift exchange, and proposals could actually have a cultural and religious connection dating back eons, right?

Well, if you’re in the mood to explore further about it or just brush up on your Valentine’s Day trivia, then we have just the ideal collection of Valentine trivia available for your enjoyment. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Interesting Valentine Trivia To Explore

Imagine that you’re out with the person you have been attracted to for the longest time now, and there comes a moment during the evening when you have suddenly ran out of topics to discuss.

Perhaps you’re both feeling a little shy and awkward. Do you know what you can do to dissolve the awkwardness in such a situation? Break open your knowledge of Valentine’s Day and share it with this person, of course!

Here are some pieces of Valentine’s Day trivia that you’re sure to find interesting:

  • Valentine’s Day originated in ancient Rome as a pagan fertility festival called Lupercalia.
  • The modern Valentine’s Day has its roots in the Christian feast day of Saint Valentine, a martyr who was executed for performing marriages for Christian couples in secret.
  • Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love in the Middle Ages, when the concept of courtly love was popularized.
  • The first known Valentine’s Day card was sent in the 15th century by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
  • Valentine’s Day cards became popular in the 18th century, and by the early 20th century, they were being mass-produced.
  • Americans spend approximately $20 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts and activities each year.
  • Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day of the year for sending greeting cards, after Christmas.
  • Red roses are the traditional flower of Valentine’s Day because they symbolize love and passion.
  • In Japan, women give chocolate to men on Valentine’s Day, and men reciprocate on White Day, a month later.
  • In South Korea, there is a holiday called Black Day on April 14, where single people eat black noodles and mourn their single status.
  • The heart shape used as a symbol of love and romance is based on the shape of the silphium plant’s seed pods, which were used as a contraceptive in ancient times.
  • The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was set, receives approximately 1,000 letters addressed to Juliet each Valentine’s Day.
  • In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä, which translates to “Friend’s Day.”
  • The Catholic Church recognizes three saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyrs.
  • The oldest known Valentine’s Day poem was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415.
  • In the United States, approximately 9 million people buy their pets Valentine’s Day gifts.
  • The colors red and pink are associated with Valentine’s Day because they represent passion and love, respectively.
  • The largest Valentine’s Day card ever created was over 25 feet tall and 17 feet wide.
  • In some countries, such as Brazil and Denmark, Valentine’s Day is not celebrated on February 14 but on June 12 and September 14, respectively.
  • In Victorian England, it was considered bad luck to sign a Valentine’s Day card.
  • In the Philippines, there is a tradition called “harana,” where men serenade women on Valentine’s Day.
  • The X symbol commonly used to signify a kiss in North America originated in medieval times, when illiterate people would sign documents with an X and then kiss the mark to show sincerity.
  • In France, Valentine’s Day is known as La Saint-Valentin and is celebrated with cards, flowers, and romantic dinners.
  • In Denmark, it is customary to send “gaekkebrev,” or “joking letters,” to one’s crush on Valentine’s Day. The letter is signed with dots, and if the recipient guesses the sender’s identity correctly, they receive an Easter egg as a reward.
  • The song “My Funny Valentine” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the musical Babes in Arms in 1937.
  • In medieval times, it was believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on Valentine’s Day would become your spouse.
  • In the United States, approximately 220,000 wedding proposals are made on Valentine’s Day each year.
  • In Finland, Valentine’s Day is also a celebration.

What Makes Valentine’s Day Trivia Fun?

We all know that Valentine’s Day is one of the trendiest occasions to ever exist. However, what makes trivia about this day so intriguing? The following are a couple of the reasons why Valentine’s Day trivia is amusing any day of the year:

  • Trivia points related to Valentine’s Day can serve as perfect icebreakers. First dates aren’t always easy, but as you share information about V-Day with one another, you can discuss this theme and smile together and also have a good laugh about it.
  • When you’re sitting in your living room with the love of your life, you can explore the facts related to Valentine’s Day and reminisce about the many, many times you have spent this day being silly and sappy with one another.
  • Possessing unique knowledge regarding anything can help you become the center of attention at gatherings, and when it’s on a subject as interesting as that of Valentine’s Day, people are bound to listen to you more carefully and feel impressed as you regale them with stories and trivia.
  • If you are a history buff and have a strong desire to know about the background and history of every possible festival or event, then digging up Valentine’s Day trivia is exactly the kind of excursion you would like to undertake during your precious evenings.

Unique Valentine’s Day Facts

How do you usually spend Valentine’s Day? By cooking a meal for your partner? By planning a cute picnic with them or perhaps arranging for a weekend getaway?

Or maybe you like to be by yourself and spend the evening watching Netflix and chilling on your couch with your comfort movie. Either way, there are some unique facts about this occasion that are fun to explore on any given day. Some of them are as follows:

  • Cupid is actually the Greek god of erotic love, affective, attraction, and desire.
  • Although we often sign off using ‘X’ in our messages these days, it had a different purpose back in the Middle Ages. This is when people weren’t literate, and instead used ‘X’ as a way to show their sincerity and faith to sign off letters and documents.
  • One may have heard of Valentine’s Day being named after St. Valentine, but turns out there was more than one such person. While one was a priest in Rome during the third century, legend also suggests that he could have been someone who was arrested as he allegedly tried to help some of the Christians who were trying to run away from Rome.
  • Valentine’s Day officially became associated with love during the 1300s.
  • The very first Valentine’s Day wish can be traced back to the 15th century, and it was a poem crafted by a French duke for his wife.
  • The patent that Alexander Graham Bell applied for the telephone happened to be on Valentine’s Day in 1876.
  • Valentine’s Day happens to be the second most popular day for exchanging greeting cards.
  • Giving flowers to your beloved on Valentine’s Day is a gesture that has its roots attached to the late 17th century.
  • Over 250 million roses are produced on a yearly basis just for Valentine’s Day.
  • The color of flowers you choose to give to someone on Valentine’s Day depends on what you feel for them. For example, yellow roses symbolize friendship, white roses signify innocence, pink roses are for gratitude, and red roses are reserved for romantic love.
  • As per Hallmark, the American population exchanges about 145 million Valentine’s Day cards on the said occasion each year.
  • Although several people give chocolates to each other on Valentine’s Day, the history of it isn’t as pleasant, since it was usually prescribed by the physicians in the older times to people who were suffering from a broken heart.
  • The oldest Valentine’s Day card can be found at the British Museum.
  • It was Pope Gelasius who had declared the holiday of Valentine’s Day.
  • Research suggests that teachers are the ones who receive the most number of cards on Valentine’s Day.
  • About six million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day.
  • Chocolate boxes that are shaped like a heart are a popular gift choice on Valentine’s Day, with about 36 million of them getting sold every year on V-Day.
  • The other names for Valentine’s Day are the Feast of Saint Valentine and Saint Valentine’s Day.
  • The idea of Valentine’s Day as a romantic holiday was apparently born from Parliament of Fowls, a poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer.
  • Valentine’s Day cards were meant as an insult by the people who lived during the Victorian era.
  • During the 19th century, there existed pamphlets known as Valentine Writers, which contained sample love messages one could use as a source of inspiration.
  • The type of gifts that people spend the most on for Valentine’s Day is jewelry.
  • The candies which are known as conversation hearts were initially developed to be medical lozenges.
  • Different countries have different traditions and customs for Valentine’s Day. For example, the women in Japan give sweets to their partner on this occasion.
  • Due to Valentine’s Day, the popularity of Galentine’s Day has increased as well in the last couple of years ever since it was introduced on the show, Parks and Recreation.

Valentine Trivia For Kids

Maybe you want to introduce your kids to trivia about Valentine’s Day. While most kids these days learn about this occasion quite early on, thanks to the presence of social media, some might get exposed to information that may not be suitable for children.

Are you looking for some kid-friendly trivia about Valentine’s Day? Well, here’s some you can talk to them about:

  • Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th every year.
  • It’s a day to show love and appreciation for family and friends.
  • The first Valentine’s Day cards were handmade and exchanged in the 1400s.
  • Today, Valentine’s Day cards are bought in stores or made by kids in school.
  • Valentine’s Day is the second-largest card-giving day of the year after Christmas.
  • Red and pink are the colors of Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day flowers are usually roses, but any flower can be a symbol of love and friendship.
  • The heart shape is a common symbol of Valentine’s Day, representing love and affection.
  • Cupid, the god of love in Roman mythology, is often shown with a bow and arrow, shooting people with love.
  • In some cultures, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day to show appreciation for all friends, not just romantic partners.
  • Some people celebrate Galentine’s Day, a day to celebrate friendship between women, on February 13th.
  • Kids can make their own Valentine’s Day cards using construction paper, glue, and other materials.
  • Valentine’s Day candy includes heart-shaped chocolates, candy hearts with messages, and lollipops.
  • Kids can make their own Valentine’s Day treats, such as heart-shaped cookies or cupcakes.
  • In some schools, kids exchange Valentine’s Day cards with all of their classmates.
  • Kids can make Valentine’s Day crafts, such as paper hearts or heart-shaped animals.
  • Valentine’s Day is a good day to do something nice for someone else, such as making them breakfast in bed or doing their chores for them.
  • Some families have Valentine’s Day traditions, such as making heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast or going out for a special dinner.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a day to reflect on what we love and appreciate about the important people in our lives.
  • Valentine’s Day can also be a day to do something kind for ourselves, such as taking a relaxing bubble bath or reading a favorite book.
  • Some people celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate being single or to protest the commercialization of the holiday.
  • Kids can make Valentine’s Day decorations for their homes, such as paper chains or heart garlands.
  • Valentine’s Day is a good day to do something active with friends or family, such as going for a walk or playing a game of tag.
  • Valentine’s Day can also be a day to do something creative, such as writing a poem or drawing a picture for someone you love.
  • Valentine’s Day crafts can be made using natural materials such as leaves, twigs, or flowers.
  • Kids can make Valentine’s Day gifts for their family and friends, such as homemade candles or picture frames.
  • Some families exchange small gifts or treats on Valentine’s Day, such as a box of chocolates or a new book.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a day to show love and appreciation for pets too, such as by taking them on a special walk or giving them a new toy.
  • Some people make their own Valentine’s Day cards using computer programs or apps.
  • Kids can make Valentine’s Day gifts using recycled materials, such as a photo frame made from an old CD.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a day to try new foods or recipes, such as heart-shaped pizzas or red velvet cupcakes.
  • Kids can make Valentine’s Day jewelry using beads, string, and other materials.
  • Valentine’s Day can also be a day to learn about different cultures and their traditions of love and friendship.
  • Some schools hold Valentine’s Day parties, where kids can exchange.

Valentine Trivia For Couples

Have you been dating your partner for a long time? Or did you just start seeing each other? Perhaps you have been enjoying marital bliss for a while now. No matter what your relationship status is, couples can always have a lot of fun with Valentine’s Day trivia.

So, cozy up with your partner and go through these fascinating V-Day trivia for couples:

  • Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th every year.
  • It’s a day to show love and appreciation for your significant other.
  • The origins of Valentine’s Day are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated as a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine.
  • Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but with varying customs and traditions.
  • In the United States, Valentine’s Day is the second-largest card-giving day of the year after Christmas.
  • Roses are the most popular Valentine’s Day flowers, with red roses symbolizing love and romance.
  • Valentine’s Day is a popular day for proposals, with many couples choosing to get engaged on this special day.
  • Some couples choose to exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, such as jewelry or flowers.
  • Valentine’s Day candy includes heart-shaped chocolates, candy hearts with messages, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
  • Couples may choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day by going out to dinner at a fancy restaurant or cooking a romantic meal at home.
  • Some couples choose to exchange heartfelt love letters on Valentine’s Day.
  • Couples may also choose to exchange sentimental gifts, such as photo albums or keepsakes.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to try something new together, such as taking a cooking class or trying a new outdoor activity.
  • Some couples celebrate Valentine’s Day with a weekend getaway or a romantic trip.
  • Couples may choose to exchange massages or spa treatments as a way to relax and unwind on Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to reaffirm your commitment to each other and your relationship.
  • Some couples choose to renew their vows or have a commitment ceremony on Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day can also be a day to reminisce about special moments in your relationship or to make new memories together.
  • Some couples choose to have a romantic movie night at home on Valentine’s Day.
  • Couples may choose to exchange sentimental gifts, such as jewelry engraved with a special message or a framed photo of a special moment together.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to show your partner that you appreciate them by doing something special for them, such as cooking their favorite meal or planning a surprise outing.
  • Some couples choose to exchange experiences on Valentine’s Day, such as tickets to a show or concert.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to remind each other of the things that drew you to each other in the first place.
  • Some couples choose to write love letters or poems to each other on Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day can also be a day to show your partner how much you know and appreciate them by planning a day filled with their favorite things.
  • Some couples choose to create a romantic atmosphere at home on Valentine’s Day by lighting candles, playing soft music, and setting the table with special dishes and silverware.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to connect with each other emotionally by discussing your hopes, dreams, and goals for the future.
  • Some couples choose to exchange handmade gifts on Valentine’s Day, such as a homemade photo album or a personalized piece of art.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to show your partner how much you value your physical connection by planning a romantic evening in bed.
  • Some couples choose to make a charitable donation on Valentine’s Day as a way to show their love for each other and the world around them.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to show your partner how much you appreciate their support and encouragement by planning an outing or activity that they will enjoy.
  • Some couples choose to renew their commitment to each other on Valentine’s.

Valentine Trivia For Senior Citizens

The culture around Valentine’s Day and the activities related to it have changed quite a lot in the last couple of decades. The older citizens around us do not know much about it in comparison to the details that we are usually aware of.

If you’re hoping to inform your grandparents or any other senior citizens about Valentine’s Day, we have got the perfect trivia points for you to look into:

  • The origins of Valentine’s Day are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated as a Christian feast day honoring Saint Valentine.
  • Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but with varying customs and traditions.
  • In the United States, Valentine’s Day is the second-largest card-giving day of the year after Christmas.
  • Roses are the most popular Valentine’s Day flowers, with red roses symbolizing love and romance.
  • Valentine’s Day is a popular day for proposals, with many couples choosing to get engaged on this special day.
  • Some couples choose to exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day, such as jewelry or flowers.
  • Valentine’s Day candy includes heart-shaped chocolates, candy hearts with messages, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
  • Seniors may choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day by reminiscing about past love stories and memories.
  • Seniors may also choose to share their own love stories and advice with younger generations.
  • Seniors may choose to exchange handmade gifts, such as knitting or crocheting a special item.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to show their love and appreciation for family members and friends, not just romantic partners.
  • Some seniors may choose to volunteer on Valentine’s Day as a way to show love and kindness to others.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to engage in self-care activities, such as taking a relaxing bath or reading a favorite book.
  • Seniors may choose to watch romantic movies or listen to love songs on Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day to reach out to old friends or reconnect with people who are important to you.
  • Some seniors may choose to write love letters or poems to their partners or loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
  • Seniors may choose to cook a special meal or bake Valentine’s Day treats for their loved ones.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to show their love and appreciation for pets and animals.
  • Seniors may choose to exchange sentimental gifts, such as photo albums or keepsakes.
  • Some seniors may choose to attend a Valentine’s Day dance or social event.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to engage in arts and crafts activities, such as painting or scrapbooking.
  • Seniors may choose to spend the day with loved ones, playing games or doing other fun activities.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to write in a journal or reflect on their past experiences and relationships.
  • Seniors may choose to make a charitable donation on Valentine’s Day as a way to show their love for their community and the world around them.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to practice gratitude by reflecting on all of the things they are thankful for in their lives.
  • Seniors may choose to take a walk or spend time outdoors on Valentine’s Day, enjoying nature and fresh air.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to connect with other seniors in their community and share stories and experiences.
  • Seniors may choose to give or receive massages as a way to relax and unwind on Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to show their love and appreciation for caregivers or other people who help them in their daily lives.
  • Seniors may choose to listen to romantic music or poetry readings on Valentine’s Day.
  • Valentine’s Day can be a good day for seniors to indulge in their favorite foods and treats.
  • Seniors may choose to make homemade cards or crafts for their loved ones on Valentine.

Easy Valentine’s Trivia Questions

Gaining information about subjects is always interesting. With a topic like Valentine’s Day, though, not everyone wants to explore its historical, cultural, or social significance. Some might just want to know about the simpler details associated with it.

For those very people, here are some easy Valentine’s Day trivia questions:

  • What holiday is celebrated on February 14th?
  • What color is typically associated with Valentine’s Day?
  • What type of flower is often given on Valentine’s Day?
  • What popular candy is associated with Valentine’s Day and has messages on them?
  • What is the name of the Roman god of love and desire?
  • What is another name for Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the name of the winged child often depicted as a symbol of love?
  • What does the acronym XOXO commonly stand for on Valentine’s Day cards?
  • What type of animal is often associated with Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift for women?
  • What is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift for men?
  • What is the origin of Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the name of the love interest in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”?
  • What does Cupid traditionally carry in his hand?
  • What country is famous for its romantic canals and gondolas?
  • What famous Italian city is famous for its romantic architecture and artwork?
  • What is the name of the iconic love story written by Nicholas Sparks that was made into a movie in 2004?
  • What is the name of the famous love story written by Jane Austen that takes place in England during the early 1800s?
  • What is the name of the main character in the book and movie “The Notebook”?
  • What is the name of the main character in the book and movie “Twilight”?
  • What is the name of the popular TV show about a group of friends living in New York City who often date and fall in love with each other?
  • What is the name of the popular TV show about a doctor who travels through time and falls in love with a woman in the past?
  • What type of jewelry is often given as a Valentine’s Day gift?
  • What is the name of the famous landmark in Paris that is often associated with romance and love?
  • What is the name of the popular love song by Whitney Houston that was released in 1992?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Bryan Adams that was released in 1991?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Elvis Presley that was released in 1956?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by The Beatles that was released in 1967?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Celine Dion that was released in 1997?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Ed Sheeran that was released in 2017?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by John Legend that was released in 2013?
  • What is the name of the popular romantic comedy movie that takes place in New York City on Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the name of the popular romantic comedy movie that takes place in London during the Christmas holiday season?
  • What is the name of the popular romantic comedy movie that takes place in a small town during the Fourth of July holiday weekend?
  • What is the name of the popular romantic comedy movie that takes place on a cruise ship during a family vacation?

Hard Valentine’s Trivia Questions

Does your plan for Valentine’s Day involve attending a trivia night and getting all competitive? Or maybe you’re the one hosting the trivia night and you’re looking for some difficult, unusual, and unique questions that will make the event fun for everyone?

How about we dive deep into some tough Valentine’s Day trivia questions? Let’s go:

  • What was the name of the Roman festival that Valentine’s Day is believed to have originated from?
  • In what year did the first Valentine’s Day card appear?
  • What is the name of the Greek god of love, who is often associated with Valentine’s Day?
  • Which country produces the most roses for Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the name of the patron saint of love who inspired the modern Valentine’s Day celebration?
  • In what year did the first heart-shaped box of chocolates appear?
  • What is the name of the famous poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning that begins with the line “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways”?
  • Who wrote the famous book “Love in the Time of Cholera”?
  • In what year was the first Valentine’s Day recorded in a written document?
  • What is the name of the romantic comedy movie that stars Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks and takes place during Valentine’s Day?
  • What is the name of the famous love story written by Emily Bronte?
  • What is the name of the famous French play by Edmond Rostand that tells the story of a man who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Roxanne?
  • Who wrote the famous book “Pride and Prejudice” that features a love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy?
  • What is the name of the famous painting by Salvador Dali that depicts melting clocks and is often associated with the concept of time and love?
  • What is the name of the famous Italian opera that tells the story of a tragic love affair between a young nobleman and a courtesan?
  • What is the name of the famous movie that tells the story of a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s and then are separated by war?
  • In what year did the famous “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” take place in Chicago?
  • What is the name of the famous sculpture by Auguste Rodin that depicts two lovers in an embrace?
  • What is the name of the famous ballet that tells the story of a young girl who falls in love with a prince who has been cursed to live as a beast?
  • Who wrote the famous book “Wuthering Heights” that tells the story of a doomed love affair between Heathcliff and Catherine?
  • What is the name of the famous Spanish novel by Miguel de Cervantes that features a love story between a knight and a lady?
  • What is the name of the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci that depicts a man and woman sitting together and smiling?
  • What is the name of the famous love story by Nicholas Sparks that tells the story of a couple who fall in love in the 1940s and are reunited years later?
  • Who wrote the famous book “The Great Gatsby” that features a love story between Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan?
  • In what year was the famous love story “Romeo and Juliet” written by William Shakespeare?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Whitney Houston that was released in 1987?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Elton John that was released in 1997?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Bryan Adams that was released in 1984?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Bon Jovi that was released in 1986?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Aerosmith that was released in 1998?
  • What is the name of the famous love song by Stevie Wonder that was released in 1970?

Historical Valentine’s Day Trivia

Getting into the intricacies of a topic inevitably means learning about its history. All the history buffs out there totally relish absorbing the little historical details about various subjects.

Valentine’s Day could be just a fun occasion on the surface level, but its history runs much deeper than you’d realize. So, would you like to know some historical Valentine’s Day trivia? Let’s go:

  • The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February to ward off evil spirits and promote fertility.
  • The first recorded Valentine’s Day message was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans in 1415 to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
  • The first printed Valentine’s Day card was created in the 15th century by the German printer, Johann Gutenberg.
  • In the 18th century, Valentine’s Day became popular in England as a day to express love and affection through the exchange of cards, letters, and small gifts.
  • In the 19th century, the production of Valentine’s Day cards became a major industry, with companies like Hallmark and American Greetings leading the way.
  • In the early 20th century, Valentine’s Day became associated with romantic love and marriage, and it became customary to give gifts of flowers, chocolates, and jewelry.
  • During World War II, soldiers would often send Valentine’s Day messages to their loved ones back home, and the holiday became a symbol of hope and resilience.
  • In Japan, Valentine’s Day is celebrated twice a year: on February 14th, when women give gifts to men, and on March 14th, when men return the favor.
  • In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, but it is also followed by “White Day” on March 14th, when men give gifts to women.
  • In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is a popular day for mass weddings, with thousands of couples tying the knot in public ceremonies.
  • In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex that you saw on Valentine’s Day would become your spouse.
  • In Victorian England, it was considered bad luck to sign a Valentine’s Day card with your own name, so people often used pseudonyms or anonymous messages.
  • In some countries, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day for friendship and not just romantic love. This is known as “Friendship Day” or “Friendship and Love Day”.
  • The color red is traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day because it symbolizes love and passion.
  • The ancient Greeks believed that love was controlled by the god Eros, who is often depicted with a bow and arrow.
  • In Shakespeare’s play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, the character Cupid is responsible for causing people to fall in love.
  • In ancient Rome, women would wear belts or girdles with keys attached to them on Valentine’s Day as a symbol of their hearts being “unlocked”.
  • Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love, was a Christian martyr who was executed in the 3rd century AD for performing marriages in secret.
  • The Catholic Church recognizes three different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred on February 14th.
  • In the 19th century, Victorians would often send “vinegar valentines” to people they disliked, which were insulting cards that mocked the recipient.
  • In the United States, Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-giving holiday after Christmas, with an estimated 145 million cards exchanged each year.
  • The tradition of giving roses on Valentine’s Day dates back to the 17th century, when the Swedish king Charles II introduced the flower to Europe.
  • In the 19th century, it was popular for men to give women “conversation hearts” on Valentine’s Day, which were candies with messages printed on them.
  • The world’s largest Valentine’s Day card was created in 2014 and measured over 25 feet wide.

Random Valentine’s Day Trivia

Who doesn’t love random trivia, right? Just imagine knowing random facts about something that you can throw into conversations every now and then.

Knowing random trivia about Valentine’s Day is even more fun as it’s something that many celebrate and would like to hear more about. Keeping this purpose in mind, here is some random trivia about Valentine’s Day:

  • In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called “Ystävänpäivä,” which means “Friendship Day.”
  • The heart-shaped chocolate box was invented by Richard Cadbury in the late 1800s.
  • The phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve” dates back to the Middle Ages, when knights would wear their lady’s colors on their sleeve to show their devotion.
  • Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for sending cards, after Christmas.
  • More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold every year for Valentine’s Day.
  • In medieval times, girls ate strange foods on Valentine’s Day in the hope that it would bring them a dream of their future husband.
  • According to legend, if you see a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, you will marry a sailor.
  • In Italy, Valentine’s Day is celebrated as a day of love, but also as a day of friendship and kindness to others.
  • The tradition of exchanging Valentine’s Day cards dates back to the 15th century.
  • More than 50 million roses are given on Valentine’s Day each year.
  • The oldest known Valentine’s Day poem was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
  • The average American spends $116 on Valentine’s Day gifts and celebrations.
  • The ancient Romans celebrated a festival called Lupercalia in mid-February, which was a fertility festival that involved the sacrifice of animals.
  • Cupid, the Roman god of love, is often depicted as a chubby baby with wings and a bow and arrow.
  • In the Middle Ages, young men and women would draw names to see who their Valentine would be, and they would wear the name on their sleeve for a week.
  • The first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates was introduced by the Whitman’s candy company in 1868.
  • In the United States, about 9 million people buy their pets Valentine’s Day gifts.
  • The most popular gift for Valentine’s Day is a card, followed by flowers, chocolates, and jewelry.
  • In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th, but it is also celebrated on May 9th, known as “Mors Dag,” or Mother’s Day.
  • In ancient Greece, people believed that roses were the favorite flower of the goddess Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love.
  • The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet” is set, receives thousands of letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day.
  • The first recorded Valentine’s Day gift was a poem, written by the French Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415.
  • In the Middle Ages, young men and women would play a game called “flourishing” on Valentine’s Day, where they would take turns reciting verses of poetry.
  • In France, a popular Valentine’s Day gift is a live goldfish, which is meant to symbolize passion and love.
  • The average number of wedding proposals on Valentine’s Day is 220,000.
  • In Japan, it is customary for women to give men chocolate on Valentine’s Day, but it is also common for men to return the favor a month later on White Day.
  • The color red is associated with Valentine’s Day because it is the color of blood and represents love and passion.
  • The symbol of the heart as a representation of love dates back to the 15th century.
  • In the United States, about 15% of women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.
  • In Wales, it is customary.

Conclusion

14th February may be the international day of love, but what makes it even more interesting is its historical context, which not many are aware of.

From now on, whenever you spend Valentine’s Day with your beloved, you can mention the facts and trivia discussed in this article and enlighten them in the process too.

246 Fun Valentine’s Day Trivia Facts You Didn't Know - EverythingMom (2024)
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