People from around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day on the 14th February, but often don’t know much about the festival Dubai Night has done some digging an unearthed some fun facts about Valentine’s Day for you.
Valentine’s Day Was Originally Very Rebellious
Emperor Claudius II put a stop to Christian Roman men being able to marry during war time but Valentine married them in secret, then tried to convert Claudius II so was put to death.
The Origins of signing with Your Valentine
Before he was executed he apparently cured his jailer’s daughter of blindness and left her a note signed ‘Your Valentine”.
Signing with an X Has a Historical Precedent
Many people in medieval times were illiterate so they would sign a document or letter with an x to show their sincerity.
People Used to Pick Their Valentine
Instead of sending a Valentine to a woman that they had a crush on, medieval men used to draw women’s names from a bowl. Then they would pin the name to their sleeve for a week. This is also where the phrase ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’ comes from.
Shakespeare’s Juliet Gets Valentine’s Cards
Shakespeare’s Juliet Gets Valentine’s Cards
Every year thousands of Valentine’s Day cards arrive in the Italian city of Verona addressed to the romantic heroine Juliet.
Red Roses for Love
Red Roses for Love
Red roses are still very popular as a Valentine’s Day flower, they were sacred to the goddess Venus, who was the deity responsible for love.
Singles Have Their Day too
Singles Have Their Day too
In Finland they recognise that singles deserve a day too so celebrate Ystavanpaiva on February the 14th, which translates to ‘Friends Day’. This where you can send gifts and cards to your friends. This is what we thought birthdays were for!!
Almost ¾ Men Send Flowers
Almost ¾ Men Send Flowers
With about 73% of men sending their lovers flowers on Valentine’s Day that amounts to a lot of bouquets. Only a quarter of women send flowers, so get buying ladies!
Henry VIII Picked When Valentine’s Day Would Officially be Celebrated
Henry VIII Picked When Valentine’s Day Would Officially be Celebrated
While this English king had on and off feelings for his many wives, he actually decided by a Royal Charter in 1537 that Valentine’s Day would be celebrated on February the 14th every year. We wonder if he gave all of his six wives a Valentine’s Day gift.
Teachers Get More Cards
Teachers Get More Cards
Teachers apparently get more Valentine’s Day cards than any other group. With pupils sending record numbers of Valentine’s cards to their favourite teachers every year. Well its one way to get good grades.
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, so whether that means buying your husband the latest gadget, going out for a romantic meal or even sending cards to your kids or best friends. Take some time out to celebrate all that you love about your life, even if that just means treating yourself to a nice bunch of flowers.
Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love, so whether that means buying your husband the latest gadget, going out for a romantic meal or even sending cards to your kids or best friends. Take some time out to celebrate all that you love about your life, even if that just means treating yourself to a nice bunch of flowers.