Saint Valentine’s Day is celebrated during winter on February 14th. We usually call it Valentine’s Day. It is a day to celebrate the people that you love. Do you want to learn facts about Valentine’s Day? Did you know that Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day for giving greeting cards? If you want to learn why we celebrate Valentine’s Day and where the holiday originated, check out these fun Valentine’s Day Facts for Kids!
Origin of Valentine’s Day
Although no one knows the exact origin of Valentine’s Day, it is believed that it started in the Roman Empire around 270AD under the rule of Claudius II.
During wartime, Claudius did not want men to get married because he believed it made them weak.
It is said that Bishop Valentine would perform secret wedding ceremonies so men could marry their sweethearts.
Bishop Valentine got in big trouble for performing marriage ceremonies and was sent to jail.
While in jail Bishop Valentine wrote a love letter to the jailer’s daughter and signed it from your Valentine.
Bishop Valentine was put to death for his crime on February 14th.
King Henry VII of England declared St. Valentine’s Day a holiday in 1537.
Cupid
Cupid is the Roman god of desire, erotic love, and affection. In Latin (ancient language) Cupid means Amor. Amor in English means love.
Cupid is often described as a chunky baby or toddler with blonde hair holding a bow and arrow. To learn more about cupid, check out our Facts about Cupid article.
Red and Valentine’s Day
Why is the color red the symbol of Valentine’s Day? Red is the color of blood. It was once believed that the heart (the body’s organ that pumps the blood) is the part of the body where your feelings come from.
During Medieval Times, girls would eat unusual foods on Valentine’s Day. It was believed that it made them have dreams about their future husband.
During the Middle Ages, men and women would pick names out of a bowl, and the person’s name they drew would be considered their Valentine. They would wear that person’s name on their sleeve for a week; this is where the saying ” wear your heart on your sleeve ” comes from.
The oldest known Valentine’s Day card is on display at the British Museum in London; it dates back to the 1400s.
Where is Valentine’s Day Celebrated?
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in America, Italy, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, France, Australia, and Denmark.
In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, it is said that they lived in Verona, Italy. Every year thousands of Valentine’s Day cards at sent to Verona addressed to Juliet.
Popular Valentine’s Day Gifts
A popular Valentine’s Day tradition is for loved ones to exchange gifts.
Can you guess the most popular gift for Valentine’s Day? If you guessed chocolate, then you would be right. On average, 44% of the population receives chocolate on Valentine’s Day. To be specific heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are the most popular.
Other popular Valentine’s Day gifts include red roses, cards, and jewelry.
On average, women spend less money than men on Valentine’s Day gifts.
Many children hand out little Valentine’s cards and tiny treats to their class on Valentine’s Day.
Pets get Valentine’s too! Over 20% of pet owners purchase Valentine’s for their pets.
Chocolates and Valentine’s Day
Some say that chocolate increases energy levels and a person’s desire. Scientists say that eating chocolate releases endorphins. Endorphins are receptors in your brain that can trigger a positive and happy feeling.
Richard Cadbury made the first box of chocolates made for Valentine’s Day in the 1800s. This helped start the tradition of giving chocolate for Valentine’s Day.
Chocolate comes from the theobroma cacao tree. Theobroma comes from the Greek word meaning “food of the gods.”
Chocolate is the most popular gift for Valentine’s Day. It is estimated that over 1 billion dollars are spent on chocolates and candies for Valentine’s Day.
Can you guess what the most popular chocolates sold for Valentine’s Day are? If you guessed heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, you’d be correct!
Why do people give roses for Valentine’s Day?
It is believed that the tradition of giving red roses for Valentine’s Day has to do with the Greek Mythology Goddess Aphrodite. Aphrodite is the goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. In Roman, Mythology Venus is the goddess of love.
60% of America’s red roses are grown in the state of California
It is estimated that 2 billion dollars are spent on flowers for Valentine’s Day.
Lace is a fabric that is associated with Valentine’s Day. Lace comes from the Latin word ” laques” meaning to snare or net, to catch a person’s heart.
Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, girlfriends/boyfriends, and pets.
Over 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent worldwide every year.
Did you know that Groundhog Day was originally held on February 14th?
Top Ten Interesting Valentine’s Day Facts for Kids
- King Henry VII of England declared St. Valentine’s Day a holiday in 1537.
- Cupid is the Roman God of Desire and Affection.
- Richard Cadbury made the first box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in the 1800s.
- Chocolate is the most popular Valentine’s Day Gift.
- Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards.
- During Medieval Times, girls would eat unusual foods on Valentine’s Day. It was believed that it made them have dreams about their future husband.
- Lace is a fabric that is associated with Valentine’s Day. Lace comes from the Latin word ” laques” meaning to snare or net, to catch a person’s heart.
- It is estimated that a total of 18.2 billion dollars will be spent on gifts and dates for Valentine’s Day.
- The oldest known Valentine’s Day card is on display at the British Museum in London; it dates back to the 1400s.
- In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, it is said that they lived in Verona, Italy. Every year thousands of Valentine’s Day cards at sent to Verona addressed to Juliet.
Interesting Valentine’s Day Fact: Alexander Graham Bell applied for a patent on the telephone on Valentine’s Day in 1876.
Valentine’s Day Printable Worksheets and Coloring Pages
Click on the links below to print out free Valentine’s Day worksheets and coloring pages for your children or students. Perfect for preschoolers, kindergarten, and elementary school students.
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