Lifestyle

Valentine's Day facts

It is believed that many centuries ago three martyrs sharing the name Valentine were killed on or around 14 February. One in particular was a Bishop who was killed because of his duties to love. He secretly married young couples at a time when the Roman Emperor wanted men to be single so they would be more inclined to join the army.

On his dying day he left a note for his beloved with the words ‘from your Valentine’ which we still use today in our greetings cards. Today more romantic notions are associated with the day but how well do you know these facts about they day?

• In the Catholic Church martyrologies three Saint Valentines are mentioned but they struck St. Valentine’s Day from its official calendar in 1969.
• The phrase ‘to wear your heart on your sleeve’ is thought to come from the Middle Ages when young people would draw names from a bowl to see who their Valentine would be and would wear the names on their sleeves.
• In Japan women are expected to give men gifts on 14 February and men return the favour a month later.
• Hallmark produced their first Valentines card in 1913.
• One billion Valentines are sent each year across the world.
• Teachers receive the most Valentine’s Day cards each year, followed by children.
• March is the month when most pregnancy tests are sold.
• 15% of women in the U.S. send themselves flowers on Valentine’s day.
• Men spend nearly double than women on Valentine’s Day.