Love is in the air…

Did you know that the origins of Valentine’s Day date back centuries? Here are some interesting facts about the celebration, its traditions, and some fun trivia questions from Michal Matches.

The Origin: The story begins in the year 270 in the Roman Empire. Claudius, the reigning emperor of that time, enacted a law forbidding marriage empire-wide, as he believed the soldiers' familial commitments were hindering military recruitment. In this anti-marriage climate, a specific Christian priest defied the law, secretly performing Christian marriages and providing protection to persecuted Christians fleeing Roman leaders. 
Q: What was the name of this priest?

Greeting Cards Tradition: The first mass-produced Valentine's Day cards in the United States were created by Esther A. Howland in the 1840s.
Q: How many Valentine's Day cards are exchanged annually today?

Chocolate Indulgence: The association of chocolate with love and romance dates back to the Aztecs who believed it to have aphrodisiac qualities. 
Q: How many pounds of chocolate are sold during the week leading up to Valentine's Day?

A Global Celebration: Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries, but the way it's observed vastly varies. In one specific country, it's common for women to give chocolates to men, and then a month later on March 14th, known as White Day, men reciprocate.
Q: Which country is this version of Valentine's Day from?

Take a guess then scroll down for the answers at the bottom!

Whether you're celebrating with a partner, a group of friends, or not planning to at all, I want to urge you to think of this month as an opportunity to celebrate all types of love. Why not take a moment to show yourself some love and brighten someone else's day? Consider sending a heartfelt message or a small gesture to a friend, family member, or colleague who might appreciate a reminder of how special they are.

Trivia Answers:

1. The priest's name was Valentine
2. Today, approximately 150 million cards are exchanged annually
3. Over 58 million pounds of chocolate 
4. Japan