Valentine's Day, a holiday celebrated annually on February 14, is synonymous with love, romance, and sweet gestures. Despite its widespread popularity, there are numerous surprising facts about this day that many people may not know. From its ancient origins to modern-day traditions, here are 35 surprising Valentine's Day facts that offer a deeper look into the holiday's rich history and contemporary practices.
Ancient Roots: Valentine's Day has its origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15.
Saint Valentine: The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred on February 14 around 270 AD. However, there are several legends associated with who he was.
Chaucer's Contribution: The association of Valentine's Day with love and romance is often attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, the medieval English poet, who wrote in 1382 about birds choosing their mates on St. Valentine's Day.
First Valentine's Greeting: The oldest known Valentine's greeting was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.
