Valentines Day is a special day to celebrate love all around the world. Every 14th February, couples celebrate their love for each other and show their appreciation for one another. Although there is much mystery surrounding the origin of this special day, there is no denying that it is an important day for those in love. To help you celebrate the occasion, here are ten interesting facts about Valentines Day. From the history of Valentines Day to the oldest love poem!
1. Valentines Day is on 14th February every year.
Valentines Day falls on 14th February every year. It is also known as Saint Valentine’s Day!
It is thought that Valentines Day is on this day because a priest called Valentine was performing secret marriages behind the back of Emperor Claudius II of Rome.
He banned marriage because he thought that unmarried soldiers fought much better.
Valentines unfortunately got caught on 14th February in the year 270AD.
2. It’s a day to show your love!
Valentines Day is a day to show your love.
This can be to a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband or wife.
Or why not show your love to the people who are important to you? Such as your family and friends!
Embed from Getty Images3. Valentines Day comes from Saint Valentine.
As you learnt above, Valentines Day comes from the man Valentine from the Roman times.
He was a priest and was actually made a Saint after his death!
4. The first ever Valentines Day was in 496!
Previously there was a Roman festival called Lupercalia which was in the middle of February.
During this festival, the boys would select a girls name out of a box. They would stay with whoever they picked during the festival.
Sometimes they would even get married.
Later on, it was decided by the church that they wanted to change this festival into a Christian celebration.
This was the start of Valentines Day.
5. Cupid is often on Valentines Cards and gifts.
Cupid is always seen on lots of Valentines cards and presents… but who is he?
Cupid, who was also known as Eros, was actually a Roman God.
He was the God of Love.
Legend has it that Cupid would shoot his arrow into people’s hearts… which would make them fall in love!
Embed from Getty Images6. Around 85% of Valentines Day cards are bought by women.
Women seem to prefer buying a card for their loved ones.
Around 85% of cards are bought by women on Valentines Day.
Embed from Getty Images7. Around 73% of flowers are bought by men!
Flowers are one of the main gifts given by men on Valentines Day.
Around 73% of flowers are bought by them!
Embed from Getty Images
8. The oldest love poem was said to have been 4,000 years ago!
The oldest love poem was written around 4,000 years ago.
It is called ‘The Love Song for Shu-Sin’ and was written by a Sumerian.
Sumerians came up with one of the first writing forms.
They lived where Iraq is today.
The poem was carved into a clay tablet.
9. Valentines Day is said to be the second most popular day to send cards, after Christmas!
Christmas keeps Royal Mail busy.. but so does Valentines Day.
Valentines Day is said to be the second most popular day to send a card, after Christmas.
Will you be receiving one?
Embed from Getty Images10. The red rose symbolises love.
The red rose is linked to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.
It was believed that Aphrodite’s tears and her love Adonis’ blood watered the ground where red roses were grown.
It now symbolises love until death.
Embed from Getty ImagesSend us your favourite facts!
Is there something we've missed? Got a fact you're dying to tell us? Submit it below and we could use it on a future Top 10 Facts page!ย
Remember to always ask an adult before filling out forms online.
Top 10 Facts
From the Tudors to rocks to fish, we have all the best facts right here!
More From Top 10 Facts