As attention turns towards Valentine's Day, we discussed what the day means to all of us here at Vevox. While researching Valentine's Day, I came across some interesting facts about the celebration that I never knew and are quite surprising...
What is Valentine's day? Defining the day of love!
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th every year, is a day devoted to love and affection between intimate companions and friends. Originally named after Saint Valentine—a Christian martyr from the Roman era—the day has evolved over centuries to become a key cultural and commercial celebration of romance and love worldwide.
1. Teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards
According to an array of different sources, teachers receive the most Valentine's Day cards. This is then followed by children, mothers, wives and pets who are placed within the top five. Staff rooms over the world must be cluttered with letters over Valentines week!
2. Valentine's Day chocolates all started from Cadbury
Chocolate is just another gift that we associate with Valentine's Day, but where did the tradition originate from? Richard Cadbury (from the Cadbury chocolate family) created a box of chocolates for his wife in 1868 by personally painting and decorating the box. I think our office can personally say, "Great job Cadbury, great job", from the chocoholics.
3. The U.S. alone spend over 18 billion for Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is in the top three of the largest consumer holidays in the U.S. and over 18 billion is spent on the celebration in the United States. 3.8 billion of the total cost is spent by American couples on a night out on the day itself. I suppose no pressure to book that expensive restaurant then...
4. Shakespeare's - Romeo and Juliet
The romantic play, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, is one of the most famous love stories that we all know. To the extent that Juliet still receives letters on Valentine's Day each year. Over 1000 letters are sent to the Italian city of Verona (where according to the play Romeo and Juliet lived) and addressed specifically to Juliet. I am not too far off from receiving the same amount of letters myself...
5. Happy Friend's Day!
Typically, Valentine's Day has an association as being as a 'couples celebration day'. In other countries, Valentine's Day has its own interpretations and a whole different meaning. Finland have a celebration called ystävänpäivä, which translates as 'Friend's Day'. The celebration is about showing respect and appreciation to your friends.
6. The first Valentine's card!
The first Valentine's card was sent in the 15th century. The oldest record of a valentine being sent was by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
7. Wearing your heart on your sleeve was literal.
In the middle ages, young men and women would draw names to see who their Valentine would be, wearing the name pinned on their sleeves for a week for everyone to see.
8. The gift of choice is flowers on valentine's day!
While chocolates and cards are highly popular, flowers remain the top gift given on Valentine's Day around the world, with roses leading the pack for their symbol of love and passion.
9. 'Vinegar Valentines' were a thing
Not all Valentine's Day cards are sweet and affectionate. In the 19th century, 'vinegar valentines' were sent to reject unwelcome suitors or as a means to insult and mock. These cards were the opposite of the typical valentine and often featured sarcastic poems and unflattering illustrations.
10. 'Valentine's Day is also for pets!
In a sweet twist, it's not just humans who celebrate love on February 14th. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated one in five Americans show their furry friends some love on Valentine’s Day, spending a total of approximately over a billion dollars (USD) on pets during the holiday.
For more interesting facts about Valentine's Day, click here.
Create a quiz to engage your employees or students
If you want to create a fun Valentine's Day quiz for your colleagues or students to enjoy, then why not use Vevox to get everyone involved and voting to see if they really know their facts! Using Vevox and starting off with some interesting questions in your meetings, lectures or training sessions will vastly increase participation and engagement.
Happy Valentine's Day!
From,
Ben (also known as Cupid).
