Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and affection, has captured the hearts of people worldwide. However, the origins of this romantic day are intertwined with fascinating tales of ancient mythology and historical figures. You may already know that Valentine’s Day was named after its patron saint, St. Valentine — but there’s actually some confusion surrounding which St. Valentine the holiday technically honors. According to History.com, there are at least two men named Valentine that could’ve inspired the holiday, including one Valentine who was a priest in third century Rome.
The Valentine’s Day we celebrate today has its roots in an ancient Pagan festival. A Pagan fertility festival called “Lupercalia,” which was celebrated on February 15 in ancient Rome. It wasn’t until until the Middle Ages, though, that the holiday became associated with love and romance, a tradition that first started from the belief in France & England that birds started their mating season on February 14.
Cupid: The God of Love
Playful, mischievous Cupid is often depicted as a winged child with a bow, arrow, and quiver. Those who are struck by his arrows become lovers.
The name Cupid comes from the Latin word Cupīdō, which means “passionate desire”. In Latin poetry, he is also known as Amor, which means “love”.
Cupid is probably the most recognizable symbol of love and dating in pop culture today.
Americans spend a lot on love. Not just on flowers, either. 
According to the National Retail Foundation, Americans spent over $20 billion on Valentine’s Day gifts in 2019 and were expected to spend a record-breaking $27.4 billion for 2020 — including $2.4 billion on candy alone! People also expected to spend an average of approximately $196 for Valentine’s Day, with men spending around $291 compared to women spending $106. The Valentine’s Day gift that people spend the most on is jewelry, at a whopping $5.8 billion in 2020!
Plus, nearly 6 million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day. What better day is there for a marriage proposal than a day literally dedicated to love and romance? Valentine’s Day is one of the popular days to pop the question, with as many as 6 million couples getting engaged on February 14. Valentine’s Day was voted the best day of the year to propose than any other day in numerous surveys — and surprise – of those people who voted, more than 40% were men!
Looking for a gift for your Valentine? Check GIFTS THEY WILL LOVE. Or reach out to Susan for suggestions to create a custom gift of your very own.
