Every February, store aisles turn into a sea of red and pink. Candy hearts appear by the bagful, florists prepare for their busiest week of the year, and reservations at high-end restaurants become impossible to secure. We all know the drill: flowers, chocolates, and sentimental cards. But how much do you really know about the history behind these traditions?

The First Heart-Shaped Box Of Chocolates

We have Richard Cadbury to thank for this one. In 1861,Cadbury was looking for a way to use the pure cocoa butter extracted during the process of making drinking chocolate. He created "eating chocolates"and packaged them in fancy boxes. He designed the first heart-shaped box himself, decorating it with roses and cupids. He marketed the boxes as having a dual purpose: once the chocolates were eaten, the box could be used to store mementos, such as love letters.

"X" Didn't Always Mark The Spot

We often sign letters and texts with "XOXO," but the use of "X" to represent a kiss has medieval origins. In theMiddle Ages, many people could not read or write. To sign documents, they would mark an "X" in the presence of witnesses and then kiss the mark to show their sincerity. The "X" then became synonymous with the kiss itself.

Conversation Hearts Started As Medical Lozenges

Those chalky little hearts with messages like "BeMine" and "Kiss Me" have a surprising origin. In 1847, Boston pharmacist Oliver Chase invented a machine that simplified the way medical lozenges were made. However, he soon realized the machine could be used to make candy. He shifted his focus, and eventually, the company he founded, Necco, began printing messages on the candies.

In Japan, Women Make The First Move

Valentine's Day in Japan is traditionally the day women give chocolate to men. This isn't just for partners; they give "Giri-choco" (obligation chocolate) to male coworkers and bosses, and "Honmei-choco" (true feeling chocolate) to their romantic interests.Men return the favor exactly one month later on March 14th, known as"White Day."

Finland Celebrates Friendship Instead

If you find the romantic pressure of the holiday overwhelming, you might prefer the Finnish version. In Finland, February 14this called Ystävänpäivä, which translates to "Friend's Day." It is more about celebrating platonic love and friendship than romance, making it amore inclusive holiday for everyone.

The Letters To Juliet

Every year, thousands of romantic letters are addressed toVerona, Italy, for Juliet Capulet—the fictional subject of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The city receives so much mail that a group of volunteers known as the "Juliet Club" was established to read and answer them. They award a "Cara Giulietta" prize to the most beautiful letter each year.

Teachers Get The Most Love

You might think wives or girlfriends receive the mostValentine's Day cards, but you would be wrong. According to the Greeting CardAssociation, teachers are the number one recipient of Valentine's cards, followed by children, mothers, wives, and then sweethearts.

Pets Are Part Of The Celebration

Love isn't just for humans. In recent years, spending on pets has skyrocketed. Approximately 27% of Valentine's Day celebrants buy gifts for their dogs or cats. In 2020 alone, Americans spent an estimated $1.7billion on their furry friends for the holiday.

A Patent For The Telephone Was Filed On Valentine's Day

On February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell applied for the patent for the telephone. It is a fitting coincidence for a device that has facilitated billions of "I love you" calls over the last century and a half.

"Vinegar Valentines" Were Once A Thing

During the Victorian era, not all valentines were sweet.People would send "Vinegar Valentines"—cards featuring mean caricatures and insulting poems—to people they didn't like or to reject unwanted suitors. These were sent anonymously, and often the recipient had to pay the postage upon delivery, adding injury to insult.

So this February 14th, as you unwrap a chocolate truffle or smell a bouquet of roses, remember the history behind it. At the very least, these facts will give you plenty to talk about during your dinner date.