Valentine’s Day is more than just a Hallmark holiday. Sure, we love the chocolate, but do you know where Cupid actually came from? Or why we send those little candy hearts? From ancient Roman rituals (that were actually kind of wild) to modern spending habits, there is a lot to uncover.
We have rounded up the most interesting traditions, myths, and statistics to make you the smartest person in the room this February 14. Here are 40 fun facts about Valentine’s Day that go way beyond a dozen red roses.
Top 10 Valentine’s Day Facts and Statistics
- Marriage proposals: February 14 is widely considered the second most popular day of the year to pop the question, right after Christmas.
- Ancient origins: The holiday began as a Roman fertility festival called “Lupercalia.”
- Big spenders: The National Retail Federation estimates U.S. consumer spending often hits over $25 billion for the holiday.
- Dining out: It is the second busiest day of the year for restaurants, trailing only Mother’s Day.
- Puppy love: American households spend hundreds of millions of dollars on gifts for their pets on Valentine’s Day.
- Sweet tooth: Chocolate sales represent nearly 75% of Valentine’s Day candy purchases.
- Mean letters: “Vinegar Valentines” were once sent in Victorian England to insult unwanted suitors.
- Flower power: Red roses are the number one flower purchased, but mixed bouquets are gaining popularity.
- Teacher’s pet: Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, and wives.
- Mass production: The first mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards in the U.S. date back to 1847.
40 Valentine’s Day Facts and Statistics
Pop the champagne, open a box of heart-shaped chocolates, and grab your cuddliest teddy bear. We have compiled the best Valentine’s Day facts and history to get you in the mood for love.
Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day
1. Pop the Question
While exact numbers vary, February 14 is consistently voted one of the top days to propose. It isn’t just the ladies who think romance is key on this date; surveys suggest that a large percentage of men also view it as the ideal time to get down on one knee (1).
2. Day for Lovers
Latin American countries celebrate “el Día de Los Enamorados” (Day of Lovers) or “el Día del Amor y la Amistad” (Day of Love and Friendship). Couples still give each other gifts of candy and chocolate, but the holiday is just as focused on appreciating friends (2).
3. Love Birds
The Agapornis bird is a small parrot found in Africa. They typically travel in pairs, which is why we refer to both the parrots and happy human couples as “lovebirds.”
4. Holiday Observance
In 1969, Pope Paul VI actually removed Valentine’s Day from the calendar of major holidays because historical information was scarce regarding St. Valentine (3). Anglicans and Lutherans observe the holiday on February 14, while the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates it on July 6.
5. A Very Vinegar Valentine
“Vinegar Valentines” were a snarky way to deter suitors in Victorian England. Also called “penny dreadfuls,” these cards featured cruel (but often funny) insults to keep unwanted admirers away.
6. Out to Dinner
If you can’t get a reservation, don’t be surprised. Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, second only to Mother’s Day. The cost of a romantic dinner continues to rise, with couples spending significantly more on prix fixe menus and champagne than on a standard night out (4).
7. With a Kiss
“XOXO” is the universal signature for “hugs and kisses.” It originated in the Middle Ages when letters were signed with the “X” sign of the cross and a kiss to symbolize an oath. Eventually, it became a popular way to sign love letters, and the meaning shifted to “sealed with a kiss.”
8. Galentine’s Day
Thanks to the TV show Parks and Recreation, “Galentine’s Day” has become a real unofficial holiday. Celebrated on February 13, it is dedicated entirely to female friendships. It is the perfect excuse to grab brunch and waffles with your best friends.
9. Dear Juliet
Writing letters to Juliet has been a tradition in Verona, Italy, since the 1930s. Thousands of letters arrive addressed to Juliet Capulet every year. A team of volunteers called “Juliet’s secretaries” reads through them and awards a prize for the most beautiful letter.
10. Last-Minute Shoppers
Procrastinators unite. Approximately 50% of Valentine’s Day cards and gifts are purchased just six days before February 14 (5). Hallmark has produced thousands of designs to ensure even the last-minute shoppers find something perfect.
History of Valentine’s Day
1. My Pagan Valentine
The holiday has roots in an ancient Roman fertility festival called “Lupercalia,” celebrated on February 15. It was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and Lupa, the wolf who raised Romulus and Remus. The celebration involved animal sacrifices and a strange ritual of hitting women with animal hides, which was believed to boost fertility.
2. St. Valentine
History suggests St. Valentine was likely more than one person. One candidate was a 3rd-century Roman priest. He defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by illegally wedding young lovers in secret. He was eventually imprisoned and executed for his defiance.
3. Officially Valentine
In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius officially declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day. It became associated with romance later in the Middle Ages as the concept of courtly love spread across Europe.
4. The Myth of Cupid
Cupid wasn’t always a chubby baby. In Greek mythology, he was Eros, the god of love. Around the 4th century BCE, art began depicting him less as a strong man and more as a mischievous child with a bow and arrow, eventually evolving into the Cupid we know today.
5. Red, Red Roses
The custom of giving flowers traces back to King Charles II of Sweden, who learned the “language of flowers” in Persia. The Victorians loved this concept, cementing red roses as the ultimate symbol of passionate love.
6. Valentine’s Day Cards
Americans exchange roughly 145 million Valentine’s Day cards annually. It is the second biggest holiday for greeting cards, trailing only Christmas. Hallmark began offering their first Valentine’s designs in 1913 (6).
7. For the Children
While 59% of spouses exchange gifts, 85% of parents give their children Valentine’s Day gifts (7). It is a sweet way to teach kids about appreciation and love.
8. Love Poem
The oldest known Valentine poem was written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife in 1415. He wrote the romantic lines while imprisoned in the Tower of London, referring to her as his “very gentle Valentine” (8).
9. Heart on the Sleeve
In the Middle Ages, young men and women would draw names to see who their Valentine would be. They would pin the name to their sleeve for one week for everyone to see. This practice is likely where the phrase “wearing your heart on your sleeve” originated.
10. For Love of Hearts
French artists in the 13th century were the first to use the heart shape in visual art. The 1250 illustration Le Roman de la Poire (“Romance of the Pear”) is considered one of the earliest examples of a heart symbol signifying love (9).
Valentine’s Day Cards and Gifts
1. Candy Hearts
Boston pharmacist Oliver Chase invented a machine to make medical lozenges, but he quickly pivoted to candy. He founded Necco, the company responsible for the famous pastel conversation hearts. They are a staple of the season (10).
2. Hearts for Teacher
Elementary school traditions keep the card industry alive. Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, and wives (11). Many students give teachers cards to show appreciation.
3. Love for Fluffy
We really love our pets. Recent data shows American households spend hundreds of millions on Valentine’s Day gifts for their dogs and cats (12). A new chew toy is a great way to say “I love you” to your furry friend.
4. Sparkle and Shine
Jewelry remains the heavy hitter of Valentine’s gifts. The National Retail Federation reports that consumers spend billions annually on necklaces, rings, and earrings. It is consistently the category with the highest dollar volume of spending (13).
5. Heart-Shaped Box
Richard Cadbury, the son of the famous chocolate founder, created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates in 1861. He designed the boxes to be beautiful keepsakes used to store love letters long after the chocolate was eaten (14).
6. Be Mine
Before they went out of business and returned under new ownership, Necco produced nearly 100,000 pounds of conversation hearts per day. Production had to start in mid-January just to meet the February demand. Classics like “True Love” and “Marry Me” are still fan favorites (15).
7. Red and Pink
Color psychology plays a huge role in the holiday. About 65% of Americans believe that festive treats and gifts should be red or pink (16). If you are superstitious about love, stick to the official color palette.
8. An American Valentine
Esther A. Howland is known as the “Mother of the American Valentine.” She began mass-producing cards in the U.S. in 1847. Her designs were intricate, featuring real lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures (17).
9. Chocolate is King
When in doubt, buy chocolate. Both men and women prefer receiving chocolate over flowers. In fact, chocolate accounts for 75% or more of all Valentine’s Day candy purchases (18).
10. Favorite Flavors
If you buy a variety box, expect a fight over the caramels. They are the most popular flavor in chocolate boxes, followed closely by chocolate-covered nuts and cream-filled centers. Coconut usually sits at the bottom of the list.
Valentine’s Day Spending
1. Who Celebrates
Younger generations are carrying the torch for Cupid. Statistics show that people under 35 are significantly more likely to celebrate Valentine’s Day than those over 50 (19). For younger crowds, it is an event; for seniors, it is often just another Tuesday.
2. Men vs. Women
Women might buy 85% of the Valentine’s cards, but men tend to spend more cash. On average, men spend roughly twice as much as women on gifts for the holiday, covering big-ticket items like jewelry and dinners (20).
3. Flowers
Red roses are the classic choice, but habits are shifting. While 28% of adults buy flowers, men account for the majority of those purchases. Recently, mixed bouquets and potted plants have become popular alternatives to the standard dozen red roses (21).
4. Candy Craze
Americans spend nearly $2 billion on candy alone for Valentine’s Day. Roughly 80% of consumers buy some form of sweets, whether it is for a partner, a child, or a co-worker (22).
5. Online Shopping
The digital shift is real. Nearly 40% of people celebrating Valentine’s Day now shop online for gifts (23). It is convenient for finding deals, but for things like fresh cupcakes, in-person shopping is still safer.
6. Total Spending
The National Retail Federation estimates that total spending for Valentine’s Day regularly exceeds $20 billion. While the bulk goes to spouses, billions are also spent on family members, friends, and children’s classmates (24).
7. Where to Shop
Department stores remain a top destination, attracting over 30% of shoppers. However, discount stores and small businesses are fighting for their share. Interestingly, specialty jewelry stores see a massive spike in foot traffic during early February (25).
8. A Dozen Roses
Supply and demand hit hard in February. The price of a dozen red roses spikes significantly around the holiday. If you are on a budget, consider buying tulips or lilies, which often cost less but look just as vibrant (26).
9. King of the Valentines
Hallmark, Blue Mountain, and American Greetings dominate the card market. It is estimated that nearly 145 million units are sold for the holiday, not including the tiny boxed cards children exchange in classrooms (27).
10. City of Love
If you want to go big, head to the coast. Los Angeles consistently ranks as one of the cities with the highest average Valentine’s Day budget. New York City and San Francisco follow closely behind. If you are looking to save money, avoid the big metros on February 14 (28).
FAQs
Why is Valentine’s Day Celebrated?
Valentine’s Day is celebrated to honor Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. Over the centuries, it evolved from a religious observance into a commercial and social celebration of romance, love, and friendship. Today, it is a chance to show appreciation for spouses, children, and friends.
What is the Most Popular Valentine’s Gift?
Candy and chocolate are the most commonly purchased gifts by volume. However, jewelry accounts for the highest amount of money spent. Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates and red roses remain the most iconic symbols of the holiday.
What Age Group Spends the Most on Valentine’s Day?
People aged 35 to 44 typically spend the most on Valentine’s Day. This demographic often has more disposable income and is likely to be in the midst of marriage and raising families, leading to spending on spouses and children.
What is the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Food?
Decadent treats rule the menu. Chocolate-covered strawberries, cheesecake, and steak dinners are top choices. Italian cuisine is also a favorite for dining out, while heart-shaped pizzas have become a fun trend for staying in.
How Many Babies are Born on Valentine’s Day?
The average number of babies born on Valentine’s Day in the U.S. is roughly 11,000. Interestingly, conception rates tend to spike around the holiday, leading to a bump in birth rates in November.
What Can Children Learn From Valentine’s Day?
Valentine’s Day teaches children about empathy and kindness. It is a great opportunity to practice showing appreciation for friends, teachers, and family members. It helps them understand that love extends beyond romance to include friendship and compassion.
What is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated on February 13. Popularized by the show Parks and Recreation, it is a day for women to celebrate their female friendships. It typically involves brunch, exchanging small gifts, and spending quality time with “the gals.”
