Fun Facts about Valentine's Day

Whether or not you've already ordered the best gift for your other half (we're thinking a personalised book for couples would be great this year...), take a look at some unusual facts and figures about Valentine's Day!

1. Who was Saint Valentine?

A love story to blow your mind...

The Roman martyrology celebrates him on 14 February. Valentine of Terni (or Rome) was a Roman citizen of the 3rd century AC. Imprisoned during the reign of Claudius II for marrying soldiers during their military service, this fervent Christian fell in love with his jailer's daughter, Julia, a young blind girl. His love and faith enabled Valentin to describe the world to her, and one day Julia recovered her sight. This miracle led to the conversion of her entire family.

The emperor was furious and had Valentin beaten and beheaded on February, 14th 269, the day of the Lupercalia, a pagan festival during which men and women whipped each other in the stomach to increase fertility. Valentin was canonised at the end of the 5th century by Pope Gelasius.

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2. When did we start celebrating Valentine's Day?

“Already a Hipster thing in the Middle Ages...”

Made the patron saint of lovers in the XVth century by Pope Alexander VI, Valentine's Day began to be celebrated at this time in France and England. The most literate and affluent people gave each other poems and cultivated certain courtesies (pictures, gifts). In the XIXth century, the popularity of love cards and images raised and took off in the United States. Love oaths were also very popular in France until the First World War. - Find out more on the website Delcampe.net

The economic recovery following the Second World War, and above all the liberalisation of morality from the 1970s onwards, gave this day a considerable dimension, supported by guilds such as florists, chocolate makers and perfumers. 

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3. Unusual Valentine's Day traditions

There are some remarkable and even unusual traditions around the world:

🗼 In France, 79% of men offer flowers for Valentine's Day.

⚽ In Brazil, where Hooray Heroes is also available, Valentine's Day is celebrated on  June, 12th, whereas in Colombia it is usually celebrated on the third Saturday in September.

🎎 In Japan, it's chocolate day! We offer it in all its forms (to loved ones and lovers alike).

🥃 Finally, in Scotland, tradition dictates that the first person you meet on February,14th is your Valentine. Watch out when you go out...

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4. Juliet is still receiving letters!

714 years old and still alive…

In the northern Italian city of Verona, it's still possible to write to Juliet, the main character in William Shakespeare's famous play Romeo and Juliet. Around 5,000 letters are received each year by the municipality, peaking around February,14th. 

City services ensure that all letters are read, and a reply is even sent when an address is indicated. However, please allow a few weeks for delivery. To write to Juliette, send your most beautiful poem to :

Club di Giulietta
Vicolo Santa Cecilia 9,
37121 – VERONA
ITALY - Italia

If you need a card, consider our personalized Valentine's Day Hooray Heroes cards, the perfect complement to a gift and sure to touch your boyfriend's or girlfriend's heart!

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5. Paris, city of love. Or not…

So long, padlocks!

Until 2015, the Pont des Arts in Paris was a rendez-vous place for lovers from all over the world, who hung a love padlock on the bridge's railings.

In 2015, the municipality decided that these padlocks represented a danger to the bridge's solidity, in addition to being "unsightly", and they were removed and replaced by Plexiglas plates. The walkway, opposite the Institut de France, was restored to its former glory.

So, whether you're spending Valentine's Day at home, or in an unusual place, whether you're bitter or enthusiastic about the holiday, don't forget to let your heart speak, with a beautiful gift like a little attention. That's all that matters!