Lesser-Known Facts About Valentine’s Day

Though February features a handful of events and occasions, none is more popular than Valentine’s Day. As the most romantic time of the year, each and every heart skips a beat at the thought of that someone special. They don’t hesitate to go that extra mile to show their love in the form of beautiful gifts such as chocolates, teddy bears, flowers, cuddly toys, jewellery, etc. But these are just the tip of the iceberg. There lies a lot beneath the surface. Here’re a few nuggets of info about this love-centric holiday. Take a look!

St. Valentine was Quite Rebellious

According to some theories, St. Valentine, after whom the holiday is named, was quite rebellious. When Emperor Claudius of Rome prohibited the concept of marriage, St. Valentine secretly went all his way out to perform wedding ceremonies.

The Very First Valentine was Sent from Prison

The first (love related) Valentine message was sent by Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who wrote a love poem to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London. He referred to his wife as his Valentine and the rest is history!

The Phrase ‘Wear their Hearts on their Sleeves’ Came from a Literal Idea

In medieval times, during the middle ages festival, Roman men would draw chits from a bowl to find the name of their valentine. Later, they would pin the chit to their sleeve for the world to see.

Chocolates as Medicines

In the late 1800s, physicians prescribed chocolates as medicines to people suffering from lost love or broken hearts. Ouch!

Thank Richard Cadbury for Valentine's Day Chocolate

Richard Cadbury, the son of the brainchild of Cadbury chocolate, came up with the idea of heart-shaped chocolate boxes. He wanted to bring out a product that could be exchanged by the lovers in particular. This was done in an attempt to encourage more sales. The heart-shaped boxes engraved with rosebuds and attractive Cupids were an instant hit.

Telephone Patent

It was on 14th February 1876 that Alexander Graham Bell (the inventor of the telephone) applied for the telephone patent. Today, the telephone is the most convenient and popular medium to exchange Valentine’s Day wishes.