30 Fun Facts About Valentine’s Day You’ll Love

Valentine’s Day is nearly here – which means cards, chocolates, flowers… and a load of love. But how much do you really know about the most romantic day of the year?

From the surprising history of St Valentine to how Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world (and who actually spends the most between men and women), we’ve rounded up 30 brilliantly random Valentine’s Day facts that are guaranteed to make you smile. Some are sweet, some are strange, and a few might just shock you.

Ready to become a Valentine’s Day fact machine? Read on😉

What Is the Historical Origin of Valentine’s Day, and How Did It Evolve?

Valentine’s Day might feel like a modern celebration of romance, but its origins go back much further than heart-shaped chocolates and handwritten cards. So, where did Valentine’s Day come from? Well, the festival started out as a feast in honour of Saint Valentine, who lived in the 3rd Century.

Valentine’s Day Origin Facts

Ready to boost your knowledge? these Valentine’s Day facts go way back…

1. Valentine’s Day is over 1,500 years old.
2. The celebration only became associated with romantic love in the 14th century, around 600 years ago.
3. King Henry VIII declared 14th February an official holiday in England in 1537 – and it’s stuck ever since.
4. Cupid is shown drawing his bow to inspire love, which is why he became such a famous Valentine’s Day icon.
5. Cupid was the son of Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
6. Valentine’s Day is named after a Christian martyr, St Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century.

How Significant Is Valentine’s Day in Terms of Spending and Celebrations?

Love doesn’t come cheap. From cards and chocolates to gifts for furry friends, these Valentine’s Day statistics show just how big the day really is.

1. On average, UK pet owners spend around £200 million on Valentine’s gifts for their pets each year.
2. Over 25 million Valentine’s cards are sent every year in the UK alone.
3. Worldwide, around one billion Valentine’s cards are sold each year – making it the second biggest card-sending occasion after Christmas.
4. Londoners spend an average of £86.02 on Valentine’s Day.
5. Valentine’s Day is the second biggest event in the UK calendar after Christmas, with spending estimated at around £880 million each year.
6. Around 10% of all marriage proposals take place on 14th February.
7. Condom sales rise by 20–30% every February.
8. An incredible eight billion sweets are produced specifically for Valentine’s Day.

What Are Some Modern Relationship Trends and Statistics Related to Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance – it also reveals some interesting truths about modern relationships, dating habits and even heartbreak.

1. Every year, over 1,000 letters are sent to “Juliet” in Verona, Italy. (Oh, you bunch of Romeos…)
2. Divorce filings rise by around 40% every year around Valentine’s Day.
3. Nearly 50% of people now ask their date out by text message.
4. Only 15% of people ask their date out face-to-face.

How Do Valentine’s Day Traditions Vary Across Different Countries?

Not everyone celebrates Valentine’s Day in the same way. From friendship-focused festivities to noodle-fuelled traditions, love looks very different across the globe.

1. In Seoul, single people celebrate an unofficial holiday called Black Noodle Day on 14th April, where they dress in black and eat bowls of black bean noodles.
2. Valentine’s Day used to be banned in Saudi Arabia – the rules were only relaxed in 2018.
3. In Japan, it’s tradition for women to give handmade chocolate gifts on Valentine’s Day.
4. In Finland, Valentine’s Day is known as Ystävänpäivä, meaning “Friendship Day”, and focuses on celebrating friends rather than romantic partners.

What Are the Gender Differences in Valentine’s Day Gifting?

When it comes to Valentine’s Day gifting, men and women have very different habits – and some names are clearly leading the romance game.

1. Men are more likely to send flowers on Valentine’s Day.
2. Women are more likely to send Valentine’s cards.
3. Sarahs are the top Valentine’s card senders across the UK.
4. David’s are the top flower senders.
5. Men send 29% of Valentine’s cards, while women send 71%.
6. Women send 19% of flowers, compared to 81% sent by men.
7. Men send 26% of alcoholic Valentine’s gifts, while women send 74%.
8. In London, 79% of men send flowers on Valentine’s Day, compared to just 21% of women.

So, who’s the biggest romantic in your friendship group? Are you the thoughtful card sender, the classic flower buyer, or the generous Valentine’s gift-giver?

If you fancy comparing names and proving who truly deserves the title of ultimate romantic, check out our Valentine’s Day tool to see how you stack up. And if you’re feeling inspired, don’t forget to explore our range of personalised Valentine’s Day cards – because nothing says “I love you” like a card made just for them!