Every year 14th February is celebrated as Valentine’s Day across the world. Valentine’s Day is mainly a western tradition, the day is now celebrated in a major way in India as well. This day is named after a Christian martyr Saint Valentine and is celebrated to commemorate the love between companions.
It is believed that this day was first incorporated by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. There were several martyrs named Valentine in the early years who were martyred for multiple reasons. However, none of them were associated with love. It was in the 14th century that martyr named Valentine was associated with love and it is believed that the tradition of Valentine’s Day started from that particular Valentine.
Some interesting facts related to Valentine’s Day
- Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day in terms of sending cards. Christmas is the first.
- Every Year Approximately 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged!
- Do you know why Cupid is the symbol of valentine’s day? Cupid is the son of Venus. Venus is the Roman god of love and beauty.
- Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.
- In the year 1537, England’s King Henry VII officially declared Feb. 14 the holiday.
- On average, men spend double the amount of money on Valentine`s Day gifts as compared to women. On average men spend $130.
- The oldest known Valentine’s Day card is on display at London’s British Museum. The card dates back to the 1400s.
