History of Valentine’s Day:

Every February we celebrate Valentine’s Day by giving flowers, candy and cards to those we love.  Contrary to what some people may believe, Valentine’s Day wasn’t created by greeting card companies to sell candies and cards.  It’s actually a church sanctioned holiday as Pope Gelasius deemed February 14 St. Valentine’s Day near 498 A.D.  However, there are several different stories and origins of how Valentine’s Day came about.  This is our favorite story here at Karin’s:

Legend has it that Valentine was a priest who served during third century Rome. There was an Emperor at that time by the name of Claudius II. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those that were married. With this thought in mind he outlawed marriage for young men in hopes of building a stronger military base. Supposedly, Valentine, decided this decree just wasn’t fair and chose to marry young couples secretly. When Emperor Claudius II found out about Valentine’s actions he had him put to death.

While he was in jail, Valentine fell in love with a young girl, rumored to be the daughter of his jailor, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. 

Valentine’s Day by the Numbers:

62% of adults say they celebrate the holiday

189 million stems of roses are sold in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day

440 million– dollars spent on candies the week before Valentine’s Day

36 million– heart shaped chocolate boxes sold during the holiday

Men typically spend an average of $150 for Valentine’s Day, while women spend $74.

150 million– Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually

4 million– number of American’s who expect to propose or be proposed to on Valentine’s Day