35 Interesting and Fun Valentine’s Day Facts that I Bet You Didn’t Know 

Valentine’s Day is something we all know, but have you explored all the exciting things about this Day? Trust me, it’s not just about couples and what couples do on Valentines. Let’s dig deep into the captivating world of Valentine’s Day with these fascinating facts that uncover the history, customs, and traditions behind this celebration of love. 

We picked out some Valentine’s Day facts covering daily life and history. Some might need expert double-checking, but we included them if you want to learn more. From its ancient roots to how we celebrate it today, there’s much more to discover about what makes Valentine’s Day a beloved occasion worldwide.

24 Interesting Valentine’s Day History Facts To Enjoy The Occasion With Knowledge 

1. Cupid was originally a deity in Greek mythology. 

Cupid, the little winged baby with a bow and arrow, has been linked to Valentine’s Day for a long time. Before he got the name Cupid, the ancient Greeks called him Eros – their god of love. 

Eros was one of the sons of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, and he had two kinds of arrows: one for making people fall in love and another for making them hate each other. He liked to mess with people’s feelings using these arrows. Later, when the Romans started telling stories about him, he became the child-like figure we’re familiar with today.

Let’s explore some dark Valentine’s Day facts and understand why sometimes Valentine’s can be not so great and romantic, as you might think.

2. The chocolate box has existed for over a century and a half.

In the mid-19th century, around 1850, the Cadbury company capitalized on the declining costs of importing cocoa and pioneered the first box of chocolates. This innovation marked a significant turn in how chocolate was perceived and consumed, moving it from a luxury item to a more accessible treat. 

A mere ten years later, Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped box of chocolates. This design was a hit and became a beloved symbol of Valentine’s Day, effectively linking the idea of giving chocolates with expressions of love. This marketing genius tapped into the sentimental Victorian era culture, making the heart-shaped box a cherished keepsake long after the chocolates were gone, further embedding Cadbury’s chocolates into the traditions of Valentine’s Day and courtship.

3. A fertility festival in ancient Rome is the predecessor to the holiday.

It’s hard to imagine, but Valentine’s Day started as a wild festival in ancient Rome around the 6th century B.C. Back then, from February 13 to 15, Romans celebrated Lupercalia. They would sacrifice animals and then use the animal hides to gently hit women, thinking it would make them more likely to have babies. 

According to Britannica.com, the women would then get matched up with men in a random drawing. It’s safe to say this old tradition wasn’t very romantic!

Related: Here are some romantic Valentine quotes for you to share with your partner

4. In the early days, candy hearts served as medicine.

In 1847, Boston pharmacist Oliver Chase revolutionized candy production by inventing a machine designed to streamline the manufacturing of tablets. This ingenious invention paved the way for him to venture into creating Necco candy wafers. Necco, short for New England Confectionery Company, became well-known for its iconic candy wafers.

The machine designed by Chase marked a significant milestone in the confectionery industry, making the mass production of candy more efficient.

5. Lovebirds are actual birds.

Lovebirds, in the Valentine’s context, aren’t just cute birds and sweet symbols of love. These little parrots have a strong bond in nature, like a perfect match. So, when we talk about lovebirds during Valentine’s Day, it’s not just about the birds with feathers; it’s about celebrating the deep connection and togetherness that makes relationships unique. 

6. Annually, thousands of people send love notes to Juliet – a character from Romeo and Juliet.

People write letters to Juliet, you know, from Romeo and Juliet, and they send them to Verona, Italy. What’s even more incredible? Volunteers in Verona take the time to write back to these letters.

7. Hallmark began printing valentines in 1913.

Joyce Clyde Hall and his brother kicked off Hallmark by selling imported postcards. When their Kansas City store went up in flames, they made a switch from postcards to greeting cards.

8. There was more than one Saint Valentine than you think!

The Catholic Church acknowledges three Saint Valentines (or Valentinus). All three of them were martyrs and might have inspired the holiday.

9. People started linking February 14 with love because of birds.

Back in the Middle Ages, folks in France and England thought that birds began their mating seasons on February 14. That’s why they connected Valentine’s Day with love. Isn’t it an interesting fact that you know? 

10. Four states In the United States have cities named Valentine.

You don’t mishear! Yes, there are indeed four states in the United States that have cities named Valentine. These states are Arizona, Nebraska, Texas, and Virginia.

11. Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently around the world.

Every country has its unique way of celebrating Valentine’s Day. For example, in Norway, women receive poems with clues to unravel their Valentine’s identity. In South Africa, women pin the names of their valentines on their shirt sleeves.

12. Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone on Valentine’s Day.

On February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone. It makes sense because many people use that day to call their loved ones.

13. Valentine’s Day was a Roman holiday.

In the 6th Century B.C., from February 13 to 15, Romans celebrated the festival of Lupercalia by sacrificing animals and doing various rituals.

14. In 2023, the red heart emoji was widely used.

The red heart emoji is a classic, and in 2023, it ranked among the top three emojis, along with “crying with laughter” and “rolling on the floor laughing.”

15. Valentine’s Day is the most popular day for engagements.

Valentine’s Day sees about six million couples taking the plunge and getting engaged, which makes sense since both days are about love. Interestingly, it’s the second most popular Day for engagements, just trailing behind Christmas.

16. Each flower means something significant.

Choosing Valentine’s Day flowers involves more than aesthetics—it’s a language of love. Red roses signify passion, white roses purity, and pink roses convey admiration. Lilies express devotion, tulips offer a spectrum of emotions, and daisies exude friendly affection. 

Each bloom becomes a personalized message, weaving a unique narrative in the bouquet that speaks to the connection shared between individuals.

17. The first known Valentine has a sad love story attached to it.

The first Valentine was supposedly a poem sent to his beloved wife in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans. He wrote it while stuck in the Tower of London after being captured at the Battle of Agincourt. The poem goes, “I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.” 

Sadly, it took another two decades before the 21-year-old Duke would finally be released from his imprisonment.

18. During the Victorian Era, Valentines were employed to deter potential suitors.

Back in the Victorian Era, folks who weren’t keen on getting attention would shoot out “vinegar valentines” or “penny dreadfuls.” It was like their way of saying, “Thanks, but no thanks,” to admirers they weren’t interested in. Quite the quirky way to navigate the world of unwanted attention, right?

19. In the 1300s, it officially turned into a holiday linked with love.

At the end of the 5th century, Roman Pope Gelasius made February 14 “St. Valentine’s Day.” However, it was in the Middle Ages that the Day became linked with love and romance. This tradition originated from the shared belief in France and England that birds kicked off their mating season on February 14.

20. The first Valentine was sent in the 15th century.

According to History.com, the earliest known Valentine was a poem by a medieval French duke named Charles to his wife in 1415. Charles wrote this romantic note to his sweetheart when he was just 21 years old and stuck in the Tower of London. One of the lines from the poem is a heart-melter: “I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.” Isn’t that just swoon-worthy?

21. Booklets were made to assist people in writing Valentines.

In the 19th century, if you were ever at a loss for words to send to your special someone, you could snag a Valentine’s Writer. These booklets had all sorts of sample texts to give you a hand in expressing your love. It’s like having a love letter cheat sheet from back in the Day!

22. Galentines are becoming more and more popular.  

The celebration called Galentine’s Day, marked on February 13, was brought into the spotlight by Leslie Knope, the character played by Amy Poehler on Parks and Recreation, back in 2010. 

According to Knope, Galentine’s Day is all about “Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus, frittatas.” It’s a day dedicated to appreciating and hanging out with your gal pals, celebrating friendship in a fun and laid-back way.

23. What do you think “XOXO” means??

“XOXO” is a common signature around this time of year, but its roots go back to the Middle Ages. According to The Washington Post, back then, the “X” represented the Christian cross, and letters would finish with the cross sign and a kiss, symbolizing a promise. As this practice gained popularity in writing and paperwork, it evolved to signify something “sealed with a kiss.”

24. There’s an official alternative for singles on Valentine’s Day.

International Quirkyalone Day is the go-to celebration for single folks on the same date. It’s not an anti-Valentine’s Day thing; instead, it’s a time to cheer for self-love and great friendships. People worldwide have been celebrating International Quirkyalone Day since 2003. What a weird fact about Valentine’s Day, right?

Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day

25. Millions of dollars are spent on Valentines for pets. 

Hey, even our furry pals deserve some love! In 2020, about 27.6 million American households showered their pet dogs with Valentine’s Day presents, and over 17.1 million did the same for their cats. Altogether, these pet-loving households splurged an estimated $751.3 million on Valentine’s gifts for their fur babies.

26. Over 8 billion conversation hearts are made every year.

Every year, a whopping 8 billion conversation hearts are crafted, turning these sweet treats into a beloved symbol of affection during Valentine’s Day. With pre-printed messages on candies, you don’t have to spend the entire day figuring out what to write on a Valentine’s Day card anymore. These colorful candies, often imprinted with cute messages like “Be Mine” or “XOXO,” have been a longstanding tradition in expressing love. 

It’s fascinating to think about the sheer volume of these tiny tokens of affection circulating each year, creating a widespread exchange of heartfelt sentiments. From classroom exchanges to romantic gestures, these billions of conversation hearts play a significant role in spreading sweetness across the globe during Valentine’s season.

27. Valentine’s Day chocolate was a brilliant marketing move.

The next time you unwrap a lovely heart-shaped box of chocolates on February 14, give a nod to Richard Cadbury. As the son of the Cadbury Chocolate maker, he came up with the first-ever heart-shaped box of chocolates to boost sales for the family business. 

That sweet idea took off, and since the first Valentine’s Day box was sold in 1861, it has grown into an industry that now sees around 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate sold every year. Quite the chocolatey success story!

28. Giving candy is the most favored gift.

The National Retail Federation says that most folks like to give their loved ones candy and cards. Some also buy flowers, gift cards, and clothes. But they spend the most money on jewelry and going out for a special evening. The website mentioned that people plan to spend over $5.5 billion on jewelry and almost $4.4 billion on a night out.

29. Every year, people exchange 145 million Valentine’s Day greeting cards.

Valentine’s Day has become a widespread celebration of love and affection. Hallmark, a well-known greeting card company, reveals that in the U.S., a staggering 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged yearly. 

Beyond the borders, a video from Homeschool Prep indicates that the tradition extends globally, with over one billion valentines sent worldwide. This number highlights the universal appeal of expressing love through heartfelt messages on this special Day.

30. People spend over $1 billion on chocolate for Valentine’s Day.

In the United States alone, February witnessed the sale of a staggering 36 million heart-shaped boxes filled with delectable chocolates. This highlights the immense popularity of these sweet, romantic treats during the Valentine’s season.

31. Personalized gifts are getting more and more popular on Valentine’s Days

Nowadays, lots of couples are really into romantic personalized gifts for Valentine’s Day. It’s become a cool thing to do – giving each other gifts just for you two, like getting a piece of jewelry with your special date engraved or having something made that reminds you of a sweet moment you shared. 

People want something unique that shows their connection. So, when couples exchange these one-of-a-kind gifts on Valentine’s Day, they make the celebration a bit more personal and special.

32. Just for Valentine’s Day, a whopping 250 million roses are grown.

Valentine’s Day is like the superstar of flower-buying days, making up 30% of all holiday flower purchases, even more than Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Thanksgiving. Imagine this: about 250 million red roses are grown every year for Valentine’s Day, making it a big deal in the world of flowers!

33. Many Americans will pick up gifts, cards, or treats for Valentine’s Day.

Nearly 80% of people in the U.S. are preparing for Valentine’s Day shopping, positioning Americans as the foremost Valentine’s Day shoppers. On February 14, people exchange a whopping 145 million Valentine’s Day cards. 

Just imagine the multitude of Valentines being shared! Surprisingly, families account for 50% of Valentine’s Day card purchases, rather than couples, which is sure to be surprising.

34. People spend on candy on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is like a dream come true for those who love sweets, with a whopping $2.2 billion spent on candy. It’s safe to say no single candy-making machine is taking a break during this sweet celebration!

35. Men spend more money than women on Valentine’s (I mean, obviously 😉)

Guys spend around twice as much as women on Valentine’s Day. Men tend to spend a large amount of money to get a special present for their lover. And, of course, women take Valentine’s Day as a specially loving day to receive the sweetest gift from their man! 

Final Words from Loveable

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day facts are more than just things about couples—it’s a celebration that weaves love into history, customs, and the shared moments that connect us all. As we embrace tradition and modernity, the heartwarming essence of this day continues to make it special for each of us, regardless of how we choose to celebrate.