February 14th is right around the corner. Here’s a few gems about the holiday to wow your partner.
The origin(s)
There are two theories about the holiday’s precise origin, both dating back to ancient Rome. One links it to Lupercalia, a “bloody, violent and sexually charged celebration awash with animal sacrifice, random matchmaking and coupling in the hopes of warding off evil spirits and infertility.” So, yeah, there’s that…
The other theory promotes Saint Valentine, a figure in the Catholic church called on to watch over lovers, but also to pitch in with beekeeping, epilepsy, the plague, fainting and traveling.
Which one sounds right to you?
The fifth largest spending event
This year, total spending on Valentine’s is expected to reach $23.9 billion, up from $21.8 billion in 2021. According to the National Retail Federation, most people intend to spend an average of $175 per lover. (Last year’s average was $164.)
Almost 73% of those who plan to celebrate are doing it because of the pandemic and the lack of intimacy and touch during lockdowns. That sounds about right… And yet almost half of Americans won’t celebrate Valentine’s at all this year. That sounds about right too…
Here are some numbers and fascinating facts of Valentine’s day:
- Candy is still #1. Sugar-crazed Americans will spend $2.4 billion on Valentine’s chocolate and candy this year.
2. Other top-ranking choices fall in line with tradition: cards, flowers, an evening out and jewelry.
3. Gift cards are huge. Around 145 million gift cards are gifted for Valentine’s each year, according to Hallmark.
4. Protective masks make the list. About 9% of us are giving the gift of safety, according to one survey. Very romantic!
Too expensive this year?
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