7 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY

Miss Selfridge Smart Midi Coat | V by Very Quilt and Stud Satchel | River Island River Island Knitted Over The Knee Boots- Dark Red | Abercrombie & Fitch Burgundy Long Sleeve Knit Dress Shades of Valentine | Red long coat & Burgundy boots | Swarovski earrings | Baroque Prada sunglasses

‘Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move. Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love’. William Shakespeare

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is just round the corner.

Whether you’re single or joyfully coupled up, chances are you have a thing or two to learn about Valentine.

What colour would be better to celebrate love than red, the colour of blood and fire, expression of love, passion, desire, sensitivity and romance.

A little red on burgundy action today. I’m such a huge fan of red (as you can see here and here) and find that deep crimson reds work very well with my skin tone. It’s the perfect pick-me-up colour not only to celebrate love but also to combat winter blues.

Every February 14, across the United States and not only, flowers and gifts are exchanged, all in the name of St. Valentine.

Treating yourself is totally acceptable too!

But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from?

1. How did Valentine’s Day start?

Valentine’s day is a very old tradition (going back for centuries), thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February – officially the start of their springtime. It’s thought that as part of the celebrations, boys drew names of girls from a box. These matches often led to marriage.

If you are interested in exploring more about Valentine’s day, you can find it here.

2. Why do people celebrate Valentine’s Day?

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.

3. When did Valentine’s Day become commercial?

By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes. By 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters and these were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged.

In 1913 Hallmark Cards in Kansas City began mass producing specific Valentine’s Day cards. Now about a billion cards are sold every year and it’s the second biggest card sending time of the whole year.

4. Why are roses associated with Valentine’s Day?

Roses have been the symbol of love since the early 1700s when Charles II of Sweden brought the Persian poetical art known as the “language of flowers” to Europe.

The red rose was also believed to be the flower favoured by Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, and has therefore come to represent that.

5. Why do we sign cards anonymously?

I’m sure I’m not the only one that has sent or received an anonymous Valentine’s card? It actually takes me ‘a good few’ years back, to the school days. I still remember how on the 14th February everyone was hopeful to find a card on their desks when back from a school break… sweet memories.

The actual reason for doing so, apart from avoiding embarrassing rejection, is an actual tradition started by the Victorians. They thought it was bad luck to sign the cards with actual names.

6. “Wearing your heart on your sleeve” is more than just a phrase.

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names to see who their Valentine would be. They would wear the name pinned to their sleeve for one week so that everyone would know their supposed true feelings.

7. The chocolate box has been around for more than 140 years.

The first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates was introduced by Richard Cadbury in 1868.

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106 Comments

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Sylwia
March 11, 2018 / 10:04 pm

Absolutely stunning look…..Love it,
love from Sylwia,
http://www.passion4luxus.com

Elegant Duchess
February 24, 2018 / 4:42 pm

thanks beautiful xx

Elegant Duchess
February 24, 2018 / 4:34 pm

thanks you Shannon! xx

notjessfashion1
February 19, 2018 / 2:15 pm

Babe, you look stunning! Such a glamorous edgy look on you dear. I sooo love your coat, the color is such a headturner. Gorgeous over-the-knee boots you got there too!

Jessica | notjessfashion.com

Jani V
February 16, 2018 / 4:55 pm

I love this look, and the post itself is super interesting. I had always wondered but never looked into valentines day hisotry. Thanks for sharing!!! This bag reminds me of the Poachette Metis from LV!

Jani from http://www.mylifeinmedicineblog.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:34 pm
  
  thank you Jani! happy you enjoyed reading the post! I certainly learnt one or two facts myself xx
  
Heather Rowland
February 15, 2018 / 7:32 pm

So interesting to learn more about the background behind Valentine’s Day – thanks for sharing! And I’m loving your outfit, especially that jacket!

Heathrr xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:31 pm
  
  thank you sweetie and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post xx
  
Face to Curls
February 15, 2018 / 6:24 pm

I didn’t know a lot of these so thanks for sharing. I love your color combo and you look really great! x

Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:29 pm
  
  thank you Ann-Marie! xx
  
Gemma
February 15, 2018 / 6:14 pm

Great post! I love the red and burgundy combo.

Gemma x
http://www.jacquardflower.uk

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:29 pm
  
  thank you Gemma! kisses xx
  
Gold Coast Girl
February 15, 2018 / 5:55 pm

Such a cute outfit! Love how you mixed red with burgundy and love those boots!
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:24 pm
  
  thank you Samantha! for some reason I really like the mix of burgundy and red, it’s such an empowering combo xx
  
LaToya Cole
February 15, 2018 / 5:33 pm

Marvelous outfit. I am really loving your boots. They are my favorite part of your look.
LaToya
http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:23 pm
  
  thank you girl! those boots are something, they look great and are so comfortable xx
  
Rena
February 15, 2018 / 1:35 pm

Thanks for sharing all the interesting information about Valentine’s day. Everything was new for me as in my generation in Bavaria is was not popular to celebrate this day. But I see that this habit is very old! I love your mix with red and burgundy – you look absolutely fantastic!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:14 pm
  
  I know Rena, I was a bit surprised to find out how old this tradition is! Kisses xx
  
Dresscape
February 15, 2018 / 11:50 am

Oh thanks a lot for sharing these Valentine’s Day facts! I didn’t know all of this! 🙂 I also love your red & burgundy outfit, so chic!

xx

Claire from Dresscape
http://www.dresscape.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:18 pm
  
  thank you Claire, happy you liked the styling. it was so much fun researching about Valentine’s day xx
  
caroline
February 15, 2018 / 10:42 am

I adore this color combo, you look SO fab !

http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:13 pm
  
  thank you beautiful xx
  
Pentené
February 15, 2018 / 7:08 am

Absolutely love how you coordinated this look! Also I love the write up on the history of Valentine’s day. Its good to know why things are the way that they are. Thanks for sharing love.

Xoxo
http://www.stylemefancy.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:02 pm
  
  thank you sweetie! so glad you likes the post. it means a lot xx
  
Katya
February 14, 2018 / 4:03 pm

Interesting to know these things! Your outfit is gorgeous, red is lovely!

StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 3:00 pm
  
  thank you beautiful!! xx
  
Gabrielle
February 14, 2018 / 3:52 pm

I’m amazed 1 billion Valentine’s cards are sold each year, that’s an incredible figure! You look so lovely in this Valentine’s themed outfit 🙂

aglassofice.com
x

- Elegant Duchess
  February 25, 2018 / 2:30 pm
  
  thank you sweetie xx
  
Margot
February 14, 2018 / 3:31 pm

I love the burgundy with the red put together.
xx,
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 5:11 pm
  
  thank you Margot! xx
  
laura mitbrodt
February 14, 2018 / 10:55 am

I love your coat, so perfect for Valentines Day!
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 5:03 pm
  
  thank you Laura! xx
  
Bright December
February 14, 2018 / 1:11 am

Great post!

https://brightdecember.blogspot.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:55 pm
  
  thanks sweetie xx
  
Paola
February 13, 2018 / 11:05 pm

Great color combo!
Happy Valentine’s Day doll!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
<a

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 5:00 pm
  
  thank you Paola. I hope you had a great day babe xx
  
mypowderpink
February 13, 2018 / 9:06 pm

your look is amazing! xoxo
http://www.mypowderpink.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 5:01 pm
  
  thank you girl. kisses xx
  
Daria
February 13, 2018 / 9:04 pm

Thanks for sharing such interesting facts about this day! By the way, you outfit is just perfect!

XO

Daria

http://www.dbkstylez.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:50 pm
  
  thanks Daria xx
  
- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:51 pm
  
  thanks sweetie xx
  
The Velvet Runway
February 13, 2018 / 6:12 pm

This is such an interesting post – I loved finding out these facts about Valentine’s Day.
You look stunning in this outfit – I love the colour combination
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:43 pm
  
  thank you Julia! I’m so glad you like the styling xx
  
Ashley
February 13, 2018 / 4:29 pm

I love this- I had no idea where or how Valentine’s Day originated. Too cool! And loving you in this red coat!

-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:46 pm
  
  thanks Ashley xx
  
Sarah M
February 13, 2018 / 4:10 pm

Hello,

Oh, lovely !

Sarah, http://www.sarahmodeee.fr/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:49 pm
  
  thanks sweetie xx
  
Glory of the Snow Fashion Blog
February 13, 2018 / 3:57 pm

Great look, perfect for Valentine’s Day! Thanks for sharing all these interesting facts about Valentine’s Day, I didn’t know any of that! Makes sense why we sign cards anonymously! 🙂
Magda

https://www.gloryofthesnow.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:41 pm
  
  thanks Magda! who would thought there is so much more into Valentine’s than just a commercial side. xx
  
Comfy Cozy Up
February 13, 2018 / 2:55 pm

Cool post! There are a few i didn’t know. Love the outfit!
http://www.comfycozyup.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:33 pm
  
  thanks sweetie! kisses xx
  
Shannon Jenkins
February 13, 2018 / 4:39 am

Such a perfect Valentines Day look! The shades of red are gorgeous!

<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:49 pm
  
  thank you Shannon! xx
  
Real Girl Talks
February 13, 2018 / 1:38 am

Thanks for sharing insight about Valentine’s Day! Love your fabulous outfit, especially the boots, they look so stunning on you! And I am gonna treat myself this Valentine’s 🙂
Hope you’re having a lovely Valentine’s week <3
xx
Ankita
http://realgirltalks.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:21 pm
  
  thank you Ankita! I’m so happy you liked the styling! those boots are a great find, not only stylish but also comfortable xx
  
Kathrine Eldridge
February 13, 2018 / 12:06 am

Very cool color combination! I adore those boots.

https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:20 pm
  
  thank you Kathrine! xx
  
Gretch
February 12, 2018 / 9:18 pm

Stunning outfit! I really love your boots. And those are very interesting facts. I never thought Valentine’s day had so much history.

– Gretch of GG Memochou

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:16 pm
  
  thank you Gretch! it means a lot girl xx
  
Benita James
February 12, 2018 / 8:57 pm

Didn’t know all these you just listed, btw lovely outfit.

Bernie, xx
The Style Fanatic

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:14 pm
  
  thanks Bernie! I’m glad the post was an interesting read! xx
  
Ptysia
February 12, 2018 / 8:31 pm

Amazing look 🙂
Have a good day!

- Elegant Duchess
  February 24, 2018 / 4:01 pm
  
  thanks babe xx
  
The Style Contour
February 12, 2018 / 4:51 pm

Those boots are absolutely gorgeous; I love the satin finish! Burgundy and red are such beautiful colors paired together and create a nice moody color block effect, perfect for Valentine’s week! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you’re having a great start to your week so far!

XO,

Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 9:22 pm
  
  thank you Jalisa, I’m so glad you liked the styling. I really like pairing red with burgundy, such an empowering combo xx
  
Amely Rose
February 12, 2018 / 4:05 pm

This is the perfect classy and red-ish valentine’s day look.
The combination is so great hun.

take a look at my newest BLOGENTRY

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 9:18 pm
  
  thank you sweetie! I have tried to comment on your last post but I’m still unable to post comments on your blog 🙂
  
Rosanna
February 12, 2018 / 12:54 pm

Great pictures and cool facts! I didn’t realise that Valentine’s Day originated from the Romans!!
Have a lovely day 🙂
Rosanna x

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 9:11 pm
  
  thank hun, glad you liked the post. xx
  
Freeoversea
February 12, 2018 / 12:06 pm

Great post, never learned so much about this day so thank you for that !
And you look so wonderful, amazing photos 😀

Sending love,
xx

Patricia & Miguel
http://www.freeoversea.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:53 pm
  
  thank you two! so glad my post had some educational value too 🙂 Kisses xx
  
Rubi
February 11, 2018 / 11:49 pm

Such a pretty outfit babe!
x Rubi
Pose & Repeat

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:53 pm
  
  thank you babe! xx
  
Kelsey!
February 11, 2018 / 10:33 pm

Ou, this was an interesting read!! You outfit looks lovely, btw! 🙂

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:37 pm
  
  thank you sweetie xx
  
Andrea
February 11, 2018 / 5:56 pm

This outfit is super elegant!!

Thanks for sharing all of these interesting facts about Valentine’s Day! It was very entertaining! 🙂

Andrea.

Seize your Style

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:35 pm
  
  thank you Andrea, glad you enjoyed reading the post xx
  
Kate
February 11, 2018 / 5:45 pm

Obsessed with that coat, such a gorgeous pop of red <3
Green Fashionista

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:30 pm
  
  thank you girl! xx
  
Francesca Romana Capizzi
February 10, 2018 / 7:45 pm

I am not a huge fan of Valentine’ s day but I do love your red coat!
http://www.dontcallmefashionblogger.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:26 pm
  
  thank you sweetie. I do love this coats, it looks great with pretty much everything, great cut! xx
  
Dominique
February 10, 2018 / 4:57 pm

These colours are perfection and I’m in love with your bag hun xx

http://www.thatnewdress.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:16 pm
  
  thank you sweetie! xx
  
Kathrin
February 10, 2018 / 4:59 am

I love the combination of red and burgundy! Separately, they’re lovely, but together they are stunning!

Kathrin | Polar Bear Style

- Elegant Duchess
  February 23, 2018 / 8:14 pm
  
  thank you Kathrin! I’m so glad you liked my styling xx
  
Jessi Malay
February 9, 2018 / 10:48 pm

Such a great post babe! I had no idea how Valentines Day even started! So cool! Thanks for sharing <3

XO, Jessi
https://jmalay.com/valentines-day-wavy-hair-tutorial/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 21, 2018 / 7:57 pm
  
  I know, I didn’t until I did some research. So many interesting facts I have learnt myself xx
  
Cindy Elena | Boring Clothes
February 9, 2018 / 8:27 pm

I really enjoyed reading this, hun. I’m a huge “fun facts” fan. And your outfit is so chic.

xo | Cindy Elena
http://www.boringclothes.com

- Elegant Duchess
  February 21, 2018 / 7:52 pm
  
  thank you sweetie! xx
  
Blonde Pow
February 9, 2018 / 7:29 pm

Good post!, beautiful outfit!.
xo

New post: http://blondepow.blogspot.com/2018/02/outfits-for-valentines.html / http://blondepow.blogspot.com/2018/02/after-9-months-kylie-jenner-announces.html
Blog: http://blondepow.blogspot.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blonde_stylishchic/?hl=es

- Elegant Duchess
  February 21, 2018 / 7:49 pm
  
  thank you sweetie xx
  
jenniferpickering22gmailcom
February 9, 2018 / 4:53 pm

I did not know all these facts! Super interesting! Love the mixing of red and burgundy together!!

Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated

- Elegant Duchess
  February 21, 2018 / 7:47 pm
  
  thanks Jennifer! I’m so glad you liked the styling xx
  
Desires In Style
February 9, 2018 / 3:38 pm

Lovely post and great outfit!! 😉
kisses
Agnese & Elisa
http://desiresinstyle.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  Author
  February 21, 2018 / 7:31 pm
  
  thank you both!! xx
  
Karolina
February 9, 2018 / 12:05 pm

Hej! Świetny post, jesteś naprawdę megaaa śliczna 🙂

obserwuje i zapraszam do mnie :
milentry-blog.blogspot.com

- Elegant Duchess
  Author
  February 21, 2018 / 7:30 pm
  
  thanks sweetie! xx
  
Mis perlas de moda
February 9, 2018 / 11:21 am

Love the mix of red and burgundy and the coat is adorable!
New outfit post: Casual basics

- Elegant Duchess
  Author
  February 21, 2018 / 7:26 pm
  
  thank you gorgeous! I hope you had a fantastic Valentine’s xx
  
Bea
February 9, 2018 / 8:33 am

Loving your style! You are so chic. Would you like to follow for follow on Bloglovin? 🙂

Xx,

http://beatricebalaj.com/

- Elegant Duchess
  Author
  February 21, 2018 / 7:26 pm
  
  hi sweetie. yes I will follow you xx
  
La Bijoux Bella| by mia
February 9, 2018 / 8:09 am

Absolutely beautiful colour combination … love red and bourgundy! Wishing you a beautiful Valentine’s Day! 💗👍🏼💗

🌸🍃LA BIJOUX BELLA 🌸🍃| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

- Elegant Duchess
  February 21, 2018 / 7:16 pm
  
  thank you beautiful! I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day! xx
  
simplementlui
February 9, 2018 / 7:56 am

You’re a good teacher you know? 😉 I’ve learned a lot about Valentine’s day! I’ll celebrate upon my return from Vegas as I’m about to leave for a week … business is business! But great perfumes are already delivered … several? Yes as I could not chose 😉 Now about your look: I’m also a fan of two color mix … red and burgundy is a very nice one and I’m fan of your OTK boots … and to finish on the funny side it’s original to see your photograph in the metallic ball 🙂 Have a great day and week-end xx

https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/02/04/first-anniversarheel/

- Elegant Duchess
  February 21, 2018 / 7:09 pm
  
  thanks sweetie, it means a lot! xx

7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY