As you’re probably aware, today, February 14, is Valentine’s Day. Often referred to as ‘the day of love’ (which is slightly questionable because I feel as though love should be recognized and celebrated every day), common associations with today include flowers, chocolates, and often creepy stuffed animals holding tiny hearts in their weird, little stuffed hands.
I’m not cynical, I swear.
I thought I would do a bit of internet digging to learn more about Valentine’s Day and its history, and the following information comes from weareteachers.com.
“Saint Valentine’s Day first took place in Paris on February 14, 1400.
“145 million greeting cards are exchanged every year for Valentine’s Day.
“About 20 percent of pet owners give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.
“Candy hearts were originally medical lozenges.
“8 billion conversation hearts are manufactured each year.
“Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine’s Day (in the U.S. alone).
“The heart shape wasn’t always a romantic symbol. People used to believe that the heart was the humans’ center of memory.
“The chocolate box has been around for more than 150 years. Around 1850, the Cadbury company took advantage of falling import costs and created the first box of chocolates. A decade later, they created the first heart-shaped box.
“Lovebirds are actual birds. The term ‘lovebirds’ is often used to describe a couple in love, but it’s also the common name for the Agapornis bird.
“The first valentine was reportedly a poem written by a French medieval duke named Charles to his wife in 1415.
“250 million roses are grown just for Valentine’s Day! Red roses are said to be Venus’ (the Roman goddess of love) favorite flower.
“Chocolates didn’t always mean love. Physicians in the old days would recommend chocolate to people who were suffering from a broken heart or pining after a lost love,” the web page explains.
The more you know.
ontheedgeofeverything 
