Think Valentine’s Day is just about cards and candy? Think again. While today, February 14, is all about romance, the holiday has a wild history involving ancient rituals, secret weddings, and billion-dollar industries.
Here is the real story behind the "Day of Love."
It actually began in Ancient Rome as Lupercalia, a pagan festival focused on animal sacrifices and fertility rituals—not exactly the dinner date we're used to!
In the Middle Ages, Europeans believed birds started their mating season on February 14th. This is why we still use doves to symbolize romance.
There were at least three "Saint Valentines." The most famous was a rebel priest who performed secret weddings for soldiers against the Emperor's orders.
People were writing love letters in the 1600s, but the "Hallmark" style mass-produced cards didn't take over until the 1840s.
Romance is big business! In the US alone, spending hits over $18 billion, with men typically spending double ($150) what women do ($74).
Flowers are still the king of gifts. Over 220 million roses are grown specifically for this 24-hour period every year.
The very first heart-shaped box of chocolates debuted in 1868. Now, 36 million of those iconic boxes are sold annually.
Those tiny "Conversation Heart" candies were invented in 1866. Every year, the manufacturers add about 10 new modern phrases to the mix.
Factories make 8 billion candy hearts a year. They have to start working almost immediately after Valentine’s Day to have enough for the next year!
Condom sales jump 30% in February. This explains why more pregnancy tests are sold in March than in any other month!
We use lace for decoration because it comes from the Latin word lacques, which means "to snare" or "catch"—literally catching someone's heart.
In Latin America, it’s the "Day of Love and Friendship." It’s a time to celebrate besties and family, not just romantic partners.
