2024 Valentine's Day is here, and along with it comes the usual expressions of love: cards, flowers, and chocolates. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this heartfelt holiday? It turns out, there's more to Valentine's Day than meets the eye. Here are some surprising facts to make your Valentine's celebration even more special!

Multiple Valentines: Did you know that St. Valentine, the namesake of the holiday, may not have been just one person? History suggests there were at least two Valentines who inspired the celebration, including a priest who defied Emperor Claudius II's marriage ban and another who sent the first "valentine" message from prison.

Pagan Roots: While some believe Valentine's Day honors St. Valentine's death, others trace its origins to the ancient Roman fertility festival called Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15th. This festival involved sacrifices and rituals aimed at encouraging fertility.

Love Holiday: It wasn't until the 1300s that Valentine's Day became associated with love and romance. Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day, aligning it with the beginning of birds' mating season, according to popular belief.

Cupid's Origin: The iconic figure of Cupid, often seen on Valentine's Day cards, originates from Greek mythology. Originally known as Eros, the Greek god of love, Cupid was depicted as a cherubic archer by the Romans, linking him with the holiday's theme of love.

Oldest Valentine: The first recorded valentine dates back to 1415, a poem written by a French duke to his beloved wife while he was imprisoned. This romantic gesture set the stage for centuries of love notes and expressions.

Mass-Produced Cards: Esther A. Howland, known as the "Mother of the American Valentine," introduced mass-produced Valentine's Day cards in the 1840s. Her intricate designs made with lace and ribbons revolutionized the way people expressed their affection.

Flower Tradition: The tradition of giving flowers on Valentine's Day dates back to the 17th century. Red roses, symbolizing deep love, became popular thanks to King Charles II of Sweden, who introduced the custom to Europe after learning the "language of flowers."

Rose Production: Nearly 250 million roses are grown annually in preparation for Valentine's Day. Countries like Ecuador, Kenya, and Colombia supply these flowers to meet the high demand on February 14th.

Color Symbolism: The color of flowers given on Valentine's Day carries meaning. While red roses signify love, other colors like pink, purple, or white convey different sentiments such as happiness, royalty, and sympathy.

Spending Spree: Americans spare no expense when it comes to celebrating love. In 2023, they splurged nearly $26 billion on Valentine's Day gifts, with an average spending of $193 per person.

Card Exchange: Valentine's Day is the second biggest holiday for exchanging cards, with approximately 145 million cards exchanged annually. This tradition has evolved from handwritten notes to mass-produced cards, but the sentiment remains the same.

Valentine's Writers: In the 19th century, booklets called Valentine's Writers were popular among those seeking help with expressing their affection. These booklets contained sample texts for crafting heartfelt messages.

Pet Love: Americans don't forget their furry friends on Valentine's Day. Millions of households spend hundreds of millions of dollars on gifts for their beloved pets, showing that love knows no bounds.

Popular Gifts: Candy tops the list of popular Valentine's Day gifts, followed by greeting cards, flowers, and gift cards. However, jewelry and special outings account for the biggest expenses.

Heart-Shaped Chocolates: The tradition of giving heart-shaped boxes of chocolates began in 1861, thanks to Richard Cadbury. Today, millions of these sweet treats are sold each year, adding to the romantic charm of Valentine's Day.

As you celebrate Valentine's Day this year, remember the rich history and traditions that make this holiday so special. Whether you're exchanging cards, sharing flowers, or indulging in chocolates, let love be the guiding force behind it all.