Surprisingly, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in almost every country, although not always on February 14th. There are several explanations about the history of Valentine’s Day.
Roman Origins of Valentine’s Day
Some believe that the history of Valentine’s Day began in Rome. Around 500 AD, the emperor decreed that every man was obliged to serve in the army. But the emperor thought that married men were distracted by wives and families. He decided that only single men should be soldiers. So he forbade the clergy to perform marriages of eligible men between certain ages. That way his army had a bigger base.
Valentinus The Clergyman
A clergyman refused to comply and the marriages were performed in secret. That rebel priest was called Valentinus. When the emperor found out he made Valentinus a martyr and said he was killed.
A few years later, the Catholic Church made Valentinus a Saint and we celebrate Valentine’s Day today.
The importance of chocolate on Valentine’s Day
For many years, chocolate has been considered an aphrodisiac. This is thought to be one reason why boxes of chocolates are given as gifts on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins which cause your brain to release feel good hormones.
Hershey Chocolate Kisses
In 1907, Milton Hershey invented the now famous drop shaped chocolate kisses. However, it was Russell Stover who introduced the heart-shaped box filled with chocolate and associated it with Valentine’s Day.
Why are roses given on Valentine’s Day?
Every year, 250 million roses are bought for Valentine’s Day! And most of them are red.
Years ago in Victorian England flowers were given as a form of secret communication. Each type of flower indicates an emotion like its color. And the meaning of colors changed based on the type of flower.
What do Red Roses represent?
According to this English tradition, roses indicate love, affection, loyalty, jealousy, friendship or purity depending on the color.
Red roses mean true love. Pink roses symbolize beauty and elegance. Yellow roses are connected to jealousy. Lavender roses mean enchantment and white roses mean purity or spirituality.
Why is Champagne consumed on Valentine’s Day?
Champagne is a sparkling wine made only in Champagne, France. And prices range up to hundreds of dollars per bottle. And that may be why champagne is associated with Valentine’s Day. If you are truly loved the champagne will be on the pricey side because you are worth it.
Some say another reason is that the bubbles make the wine go to your head faster, which can put you in a good mood! Yes, it’s true that the fizz in the bubbles will put you to sleep faster than non-bubbly wine.
Why are strawberries associated with Valentine’s Day?
Some say it’s because of the color red. However, others believe that the reason strawberries are associated with Valentine’s Day is that they are out of season and must be imported, making them expensive.
Also, when you look at a strawberry you may notice that it is somewhat heart-shaped, especially when cut in half. And of course, chocolate dipped strawberries served with champagne are the most indulgent dessert in St. Valentine’s Day.
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About the Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mother of three. She started Darling Celebrations in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating life’s special events.
