Valentine's Day: Between Legends and Romantic Traditions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.