Valentine's Day Facts

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Valentine's Day Facts, Date, History, and Observance

Valentine's Day and Date:

Day of Week for Valentines Day in Any Year - Enter Year YYYY

Early History of Valentine's Day:

• One thought is: The early origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia, which was held on February 15. The celebration of Lupercalia honored the gods Lupercus and Faunus and the founders of Rome.
  
• Another thought is: There were two saints named Valentine and a priest a named Valentine. One saint was executed on February 14th and 227 years later, Pope Gelasius named February 14, Valentine's Day for him. The priest named Valentine disobeyed the Emperor and secretly married couples.
  
• And another thought is: Birds and fowl select their mates on February 14th.

Modern History of Valentine's Day:

• Began in France and England.
• The first box of Valentine's candy was in the late 1800's.
• The Duke of Orleans (a frenchman) sent the first Valentine, after being captured in 1415. He sent it on Valentine's Day to his wife. (source:Sunniebunniezz.com)
• "The oldest known greeting card in existence, is a Valentine card made in the 1400's and can be admired at the British Museum (London)." (source:NetOGram)
• Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's.

Symbols of Valentine's Day:

• Cupid (The Roman God of Love)
• Doves
• Love Birds
• Roses
• Hearts
• Arrows
• Lacy Doilies

Facts About Valentine's Day:

• Some of the countries that celebrate Valentine's Day:
  The United States
  Canada
  Mexico
  United Kingdom
  France
  Australia
• Over 1 billion Valentine cards are sent in the U.S each year.
• Over 50 million roses are given for Valentine's Day each year.

Observance of Valentine's Day:

• A card sent to friends, mates and family members.
• Flowers and/or candy to friends, mates and family members.
• A special dinner.
• Romantic getaway.