The 15 quiz questions
Question 1 : Around what period did Saint Valentine, the Christian martyr who gave his name to this holiday, live?
Possible answers:
- 7th century
- 5th century
- 3rd century
- 1st century
Explanation: Saint Valentine was a Roman priest of the 3rd century who secretly married Christian couples despite the ban of Emperor Claudius II. He was martyred around 269 AD.
Question 2 : Which ancient Roman festival is often considered the ancestor of Valentine's Day?
Possible answers:
- Bacchanalia
- Saturnalia
- Lupercalia
- Floralia
Explanation: Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13 to 15 in honour of the god Faunus. This fertility festival included purification rituals and lottery draws to pair couples.
Question 3 : In which country did the tradition of offering red roses on Valentine's Day particularly develop in the 18th century?
Possible answers:
- France
- England
- Italy
- Spain
Explanation: In France, under Louis XV, the red rose became the symbol of passionate love. This tradition then spread throughout Europe thanks to the influence of the court of Versailles.
Question 4 : Which 14th-century English writer helped popularise Valentine's Day as a feast of lovers in his works?
Possible answers:
- Edmund Spenser
- William Shakespeare
- John Milton
- Geoffrey Chaucer
Explanation: Geoffrey Chaucer, in his poem 'Parliament of Fowls' (c. 1382), mentions Valentine's Day as the day when birds choose their partner, thus associating this date with courtly love.
Question 5 : What are the cards traditionally exchanged on Valentine's Day called?
Possible answers:
- Amourettes
- Sweethearts
- Lovecards
- Valentines
Explanation: 'Valentines' are decorative cards expressing love or affection. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, but the first commercial cards appeared in the 15th century in England.
Question 6 : In Roman mythology, which god is traditionally associated with Valentine's Day?
Possible answers:
- Apollo
- Mars
- Venus
- Cupid
Explanation: Cupid (Eros in Greek) is the god of love depicted as a winged child armed with a bow and arrows. His arrows are said to spark love in the hearts of those he strikes.
Question 7 : In what year was the first commercial valentine produced in the United States?
Possible answers:
- 1823
- 1865
- 1847
- 1889
Explanation: Esther Howland, nicknamed 'the mother of the American valentine', created the first commercial card in 1847. She used lace, ribbons and colourful images imported from Europe.
Question 8 : In which country is 'White Day' celebrated one month after Valentine's Day?
Possible answers:
- China
- Japan
- Thailand
- South Korea
Explanation: In Japan, 'White Day' takes place on March 14. It is the day when men give white gifts (white chocolate, marshmallows, jewellery) to the women who gave them something on February 14.
Question 9 : What colour, other than red, is traditionally associated with Valentine's Day?
Possible answers:
- Pink
- Purple
- Orange
- Gold
Explanation: Pink symbolises tenderness, gentle affection and budding love, complementing red which represents passion. This colour association dates back to Victorian traditions of the language of flowers.
Question 10 : Which Roman emperor allegedly banned young soldiers from marrying, leading Saint Valentine to marry them in secret?
Possible answers:
- Nero
- Augustus
- Diocletian
- Claudius II
Explanation: Claudius II the Goth believed that unmarried soldiers were more effective in battle as they were less attached to their homes. Saint Valentine defied this ban by continuing to celebrate clandestine Christian marriages.
Question 11 : In popular tradition, seeing what type of bird on the morning of Valentine's Day predicts the type of future spouse?
Possible answers:
- Swallow
- Robin
- Nightingale
- Dove
Explanation: This medieval superstition claimed that a robin foretold a marriage with a sailor, a sparrow with a poor but happy man, and a goldfinch with a rich man. These beliefs were widespread in England.
Question 12 : What approximate percentage of roses sold annually in the United States is sold during the Valentine's Day period?
Possible answers:
- 45%
- 35%
- 25%
- 15%
Explanation: Valentine's Day represents the annual peak of rose sales, concentrating about one third of all sales in this single period. This makes it the most important floral event of the year.
Question 13 : What is the name of the Welsh tradition similar to Valentine's Day, celebrated on January 25?
Possible answers:
- Dydd Santes Dwynwen
- Dydd Serch Gwlad
- Dydd Cariad Cymru
- Dydd Priodas Hoff
Explanation: Dydd Santes Dwynwen honours Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. This tradition involves the exchange of carved wooden spoons, symbols of commitment and sincere affection.
Question 14 : In which Italian city can one visit the presumed tomb of Saint Valentine?
Possible answers:
- Naples
- Verona
- Terni
- Rome
Explanation: Terni, in Umbria, claims to be the birthplace of Saint Valentine and houses his basilica where his relics rest. The city organises an important festival every year in honour of the patron saint of lovers.
Question 15 : What was the name of the first box of chocolates created specially for Valentine's Day in 1868?
Possible answers:
- Fancy Box
- Valentine's Delight
- Love Collection
- Sweet Heart Box
Explanation: Richard Cadbury created the 'Fancy Box', a heart-shaped chocolate box decorated with cupids and roses. This marketing innovation revolutionised the chocolate industry and established a lasting tradition.




