Introduction

Every year on 14th February, Valentine's Day takes place. The holiday has an estimated £2.1 Billion Spend, and in the UK alone 40 million people celebrate the romantic day. But where does it come from? Here, we dive into the history of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Origin

As with most traditions that get passed down lots of generation, the original and true meaning can be either slightly 

Saint Valentine vs. Claudius II

Saint Valentine was a man who went against the law. When Claudius II, the emperor of Rome between 268 and 270, outlawed marriage for young men to boost his army, Saint Valentine disagreed. He would carry on marrying young couples together. Claudius II was furious, and asked for his arrest and execution. Saint Valentine and his captor's daughter was said to fall in love. On the day of his execution, he sent a letter to her, signing it off with 'Your Valentine'. The day of his execution was February 14th.

Saint Valentine (another one)

There is actually a second Saint Valentine, who went by 'Saint Valentine of Terni'. He was said to have converted lots of young men in Rome to follow Christianity. It's also suggested that this Saint also married couples together. Interestingly, Saint Valentine of Terni was also ordered for execution on February 14th, though on a different year to the other Saint Valentine. Who knows, maybe these two Saints were even the same person?

Chaucer and Shakespeare

Chaucer, who's known as the 'Father of English Literature' may have been the first to link romance and Valentines Day together. In his 699 line poem, Parliament of Fowles, he spoke about how the birds choose their mate and sing to Saint Valentine. Shakespeare, the most famous play-writer in the world, further romanticised Valentines Day across 3 different plays.

Strawberries and Valentine's Day

Why are Strawberries popular on Valentines Day?

Strawberries become very popular during Valentines day for several reasons. They are the fruit of the Roman Goddess of Love, Venus. The Strawberry has been historically thought to have aphrodisiacal qualities (though this is not the case). They red colour and the fact that they'r sometimes heart shaped make them as a perfect gift for Valentines Day.

Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries are known for their:

• Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
• Antioxidants
• Manganese
• Vitamin B9 (Folates)

All of these are known to help boost the:

• Growth and repair of tissues
• Production of collagen, which helps make skin, cartilage, tendons ligaments and blood vessels
• Healing of wounds
• Repairing and maintenance of bones and teeth
• fight against Oxidation, which harms cells in our body.
• Production of sex hormones (which is probably the cause of the 'aphrodisiacal qualities' though this is only in small amounts)
• conversion of carbohydrates into glucose
• health of your liver, hair, eyes and nervous systems.