Interesting Fact of the Day! No. 12 - Valentines Day!!

Happy Valentines Day!


Here are a few Valentines facts for your day...

1. 15% of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day.
2. Since AD 496 the feast of St Valentines has been celebrated, some believe to suppress an older pagan fertility festival held on the 15th of February. But the feast was more of a Christian celebration rather than the romantic day we now it as now. The association with romance dates from the middle ages, where most of the legends surrounding St. Valentine were written.
3. Since the seventeenth century in the UK & France, St. Valentines day has been celebrated in it's more current romantic form. The exchange of small gifts and love notes was widespread. By the end of the eighteenth century printed valentines cards were being produced. It wasn't until 1840 in America that valentines cards were first mass produced by Esther Howland.
4. Long before St. Valentine lived, February 14th had strong links with fertility. The date traditionally is known for when birds choose their mates.
5. In Medieval times, girls ate bizarre foods on St Valentine's Day to make them dream of their future spouse.
6. The first Valentine gift was sent by Duke of Orleans to his wife, after he was captured in 1415.
7. 73% of Valentine Day flowers are bought by men, whereas women buy only 23% of Valentine flowers.
8. Around 3% of pet owners prefer to give Valentine gifts to their pets, as they are more grateful than humans!