Fascinating Fact 1: Valentine's Day wasn't celebrated as a day of love until the 14th century.

Valentine's Day, celebrated in mid-February, has origins in both commemorating Saint Valentine's death around A.D. 270 and 'Christianising' the pagan festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia, observed on February 15th, honoured Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, along with Rome's legendary founders, Romulus and Remus. Despite surviving the rise of Christianity, Lupercalia was banned by Pope Gelasius in the 5th century, who then declared February 14th as Saint Valentine's Day. However, it was not until much later that the day became associated with love.

Fascinating Fact 2: There were multiple Saint Valentines.

The Catholic Church venerates multiple saints named Valentine or Valentinus, each martyred. One legend suggests that Valentine was a priest in Rome during the 3rd century, defying Emperor Claudius II's ban on marriages for young men by secretly performing marriages for young lovers. Another features Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome. Others propose Valentine may have been executed for attempting to help Christians escape Roman prisons. Yet another legend contends that one imprisoned Valentine, before his death, sent the first 'valentine' to a girl he loved, signing it 'From your Valentine' — a phrase still used today.

Fascinating Fact 3: The Roman god Cupid has his origins in the Greek god of love, Eros.

Cupid, often portrayed on Valentine's Day cards as a naked cherub launching arrows of love at unsuspecting lovers, originates in Greek mythology as the god of love, Eros. Various accounts narrate his parentage, attributing him to Nyx and Erebus, Aphrodite and Ares, Iris and Zephyrus, or even Aphrodite and Zeus. According to the Greek Archaic poets, Eros was a handsome immortal who manipulated the emotions of gods and mortals, using golden arrows to inspire love and leaden ones to ignite aversion. The familiar image of Cupid as a mischievous, chubby child only emerged much later during the Hellenistic period.

Fascinating Fact 4: The earliest known (anti-)valentine is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans.

The earliest known valentine is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans upon his return to France between 1443 and 1460, contrary to common belief that it was composed during his imprisonment in the Tower of London. Addressed to a 'very sweet Valentine', it reflects a courtly practice of a Saint Valentine's Day lottery, pairing partners for a year, rather than the chivalrous concept of courtly love where knights served married ladies. In his poem, Charles politely declines participation, citing age and fatigue. With Valentine's Day poetry already prevalent in his era, Charles subverted expectations with his anti-Valentine verse.

Fascinating Fact 5: Xs and Os symbolise kisses and hugs.

The origins of XOXO intertwine with history and mystery. While the exact evolution of X to signify a kiss remains unclear, it likely stems from ancient written traditions. The symbol X represents the Hebrew letter taw and the Greek letter chi. With the advent of Christianity, X became synonymous with the cross, symbolising faith and fidelity. In the Middle Ages, X served as a signature on documents sealed with wax or lead. Conversely, the significance of O in signifying a hug is even less clear. An intriguing theory suggests its origins in Jewish immigrant culture, where it served as an alternative signature to the X. Despite these uncertainties, the pairing of X and O gained popularity, documented as early as 1960.

Fascinating Fact 6: The metaphorical phrase, 'wear your heart on your sleeve', likely has origins in literal practices.

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the idiom is defined as making your feelings and emotions obvious rather than hiding them. Among the most popular tales explaining the source of the saying is one from the Middle Ages, where men would wear the name of the women they drew on their sleeves throughout a Roman festival honouring Juno. Another tale speculates that knights in jousting matches would tie a woman's item, like a handkerchief, around their arm to defend her honour. Alternatively, Shakespeare's writings, notably in the play Othello, depict Iago confessing to treacherous acts and stating that '[He] will wear [his] heart upon [his] sleeve', inviting crow-like black birds to peck away at them, thus inviting scrutiny and vulnerability.

Fascinating Fact 7: Giving roses for Valentine's Day was popularised by the Victorians. 

The tradition of giving roses for Valentine's Day traces back to ancient times. Over 5,000 years ago, roses were first cultivated in eastern Asia for various purposes, such as fragrance, flavour, and medicine, and gained popularity during the Roman period. However, it wasn't until the late 18th century that roses began to gain prominence in Europe. In the 19th century, the Victorians introduced the language of flowers, or 'floriography', using floral bouquets to convey romantic sentiments. This era solidified the red rose's association with romance, popularising its use on Valentine's Day.

Fascinating Fact 8: The production of Conversation Hearts originates in a pharmacy.

The history of Conversation Hearts dates back to 1847 when Boston-based pharmacist Oliver Chase sought a more efficient production process for apothecary lozenges. His invention of a hand-cranked machine revolutionised the process, prompting the shift from pharmaceuticals to confectionery. His candy-making venture eventually merged with other brands to form the New England Confectionary Company (NECCO). In its early days, NECCO produced scallop-shaped candies called cockles with printed messages on coloured paper. It wasn't until the early 20th century that NECCO started printing phrases like BE TRUE, KISS ME, and MARRY ME directly onto heart-shaped candies.

Fascinating Fact 9: Richard Cadbury invented the first heart-shaped chocolate box in the 19th century.  

Richard Cadbury, the sentimental Englishman behind the famous chocolate brand Cadbury, is credited with inventing and marketing the first heart-shaped chocolate box in 1868. Taking over the family business with his brother in 1861, they narrowed their focus to chocolate and introduced the line of Fancy Boxes, which used an innovative cocoa processing method imported from the Netherlands. Cadbury adorned these boxes with sentimental scenes, rendering them cherished keepsakes long after the chocolates were enjoyed. Despite his ingenuity, Cadbury chose not to patent his heart-shaped box, unwittingly bestowing chocolatiers worldwide with this sweet tradition.