Posted on February 11th, 2026
Oh, Be My Valentine! Exploring the Heartfelt History Behind February 14th! 😍
Lovebirds and friends, are you ready to dive into a heart-warming journey back in time? As February 14th approaches, and we’re all gearing up to spread love like confetti, let’s take a whimsical wander through the chronicles of Valentine’s Day! Yes, you guessed it – it’s time for love messages, chocolate indulgence, and bouquets of blooms!
Did you know that we send a staggering 25 million Valentine cards in the UK each year! Even in our tech driven world, digital messages of love are taking a romantic turn. Personalised video messages and curated playlists are becoming the modern love letters and we can’t help but wonder: how did this romantic revelry begin?
Flashback to ancient Rome, and we find ourselves amidst Lupercalia (don’t worry, it’s not as ferocious as it sounds!). This was not your typical Hallmark holiday, oh no! On February 12-15, Romans celebrated fertility in a way that would definitely raise eyebrows today – think love taps with animal hides!
Then, leap forward to a tale of Christian courage: meet Valentine of Rome, a 3rd-century AD hero. Defying Emperor Claudius’ stern orders, he secretly aided prisoners – because love knows no bounds, right? Legend whispers that he even penned a heartfelt note to his jailer’s daughter signed, “from your Valentine.” Cue the collective awww!
Valentine’s Day is embracing inclusivity like never before; it’s not just for couples. It’s a day to celebrate all forms of love – friendships (Galentine’s Day), pets, and self-love are getting the spotlight too! So, whether you’re planning to pamper your partner, cherish your friends, or indulge in a little self-love, remember that this day is steeped in history, heroics, and a touch of ancient mystery.
Valentine’s Day Trivia 🤔
The first Valentine’s Day ‘card‘ is believed to have been sent as early as 1415 in the form of a poem by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife, Bonne of Armagnac. He wrote this message while imprisoned in the Tower of London.
The tradition of giving Valentine’s Day cards grew in the Victorian era. Originally, they were handwritten notes, but when Esther Howland started creating them in the mid-19th century, printed cards became available. Victorian cards were often adorned with lace, dried flowers, feathers and seashells.
The heart symbol is on Valentine’s cards because it has served as the universal emblem of love, passion and emotional connection for centuries. Rooted in ancient beliefs that the heart was the centre of emotion, this symbol gained popularity in the Middle Ages and became firmly associated with romantic love in Victorian-era card exchanges
The first heart-shaped chocolate box for Valentine’s Day was introduced in 1868 by British chocolatier Richard Cadbury. He designed these ornate, decorated boxes to boost sales of “eating chocolates” and, as a marketing genius, encouraged customers to keep the boxes as keepsakes for love letters and mementoes.
The tradition of giving red roses 🌹 for Valentine’s Day became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly during the Victorian era. While roses were linked to love goddesses in ancient Rome, their specific, widespread adoption as a romantic Valentine’s Day gift developed alongside the rise of floriography, or the language of flowers, in the 1700s and 1800s.
Eros is the ancient Greek god of love, desire and sexual passion. He traditionally carries a bow and arrow, which he uses to ignite love (golden arrows) or cold indifference (lead arrows) in his targets. Cupid is the Roman equivalent of Eros.
William Shakespeare created the phrase ‘star-crossed lovers‘ 🤩. It refers to couples whose intense romantic relationship is thwarted by outside forces, such as fate, societal pressures or warring families – as in the story of Romeo and Juliet.
The abbreviation XOXO stands for: Hugs and kisses. commonly used as an affectionate, light-hearted sign-off in letters, emails, and text messages. The “X” represents a kiss and dates back to the late 19th century (often interpreted as puckered lips), while the “O” symbolises a hug.
Feel the love, share the spirit… Whatever you do, make it a day to remember, filled with love, laughter, and the power of connection.
Remember, at Arments we only have pies for you! Lovingly made by hand and served with love! If you can’t get to us, you can order online for nationwide home delivery, or visit one of our Licensed Sellers. You can find their details here.
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! XOXO! 💘
