Valentine's Day Facts

Here are just a few facts about Valentine's Day.  I hope you find them interesting.

Saint Valentine's Day dates back to 496 AD when it was a declared a day to celebrate affection by Pope Gelasius.  It was not until the 14th century that it became associated with romance. 

Many early Christian martyrs were named Valentine.

In 1797 The Young Man's Valentine Writer was published for the men who were unable to write their own declarations of love.  By that time mass produced greeting cards were being printed, which made it easier to send Valentines anonymously.  This was also the beginning of what was considered "racy" Valentines during the Victorian era.

Paper Valentines became so popular in England in the 19th century, they began being assembled in factories.  Fancy Valentines with lace and ribbon became popular in mid 19th century.


The United States began mass producing Valentines of embossed paper in 1847.

During the 20th century it became popular to add gifts to Valentines cards.  In 1980 the jewelry industry began promoting diamonds and jewelry as a way to express love on Valentine's Day.

In the United States 190 million Valentine's Day cards are given each year.  When you add cards made by school children, the number rises to 1 billion.  In 2010 15 million e-Valentines were sent.

A survey revealed that in the United States, we spend an average of $103 per person on Valentine's Day gifts.  The average American will spend $3.27 on Valentines for a pet, but only $2.84 for a co-worker.  Of those who choose to express their love on Valentine's Day, 50% buy cards, 47% buy candy, and 36% buy flowers.

Happy Valentine's Day in 2011.