ELEGANT DUCHESS
Grandeur Couture & Lifestyle
Home » 7 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT VALENTINE’S DAY
Fashion

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.

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


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.

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


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?

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

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.

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

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.

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
Follow:

You may also enjoy:

106 Comments

  1. Pingback: WARDROBE STAPLES | RED DRESS AND STILETTOS | ELEGANT DUCHESS
  3. 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

  4. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:31 pm

    thank you sweetie and I’m so glad you enjoyed the post xx

  5. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:29 pm

    thank you Ann-Marie! xx

  6. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:29 pm

    thank you Gemma! kisses xx

  7. 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

  8. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:23 pm

    thank you girl! those boots are something, they look great and are so comfortable xx

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:13 pm

    thank you beautiful xx

  12. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:02 pm

    thank you sweetie! so glad you likes the post. it means a lot xx

  13. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 3:00 pm

    thank you beautiful!! xx

  14. Elegant Duchess
    February 25, 2018 / 2:30 pm

    thank you sweetie xx

  15. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 5:11 pm

    thank you Margot! xx

  16. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 5:03 pm

    thank you Laura! xx

  17. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 5:01 pm

    thank you girl. kisses xx

  18. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 5:00 pm

    thank you Paola. I hope you had a great day babe xx

  19. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:55 pm

    thanks sweetie xx

  20. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:51 pm

    thanks sweetie xx

  21. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:50 pm

    thanks Daria xx

  22. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:49 pm

    thanks sweetie xx

  23. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:49 pm

    thank you Shannon! xx

  24. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:46 pm

    thanks Ashley xx

  25. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:43 pm

    thank you Julia! I’m so glad you like the styling xx

  26. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:42 pm

    thanks beautiful xx

  27. 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

  28. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:34 pm

    thanks you Shannon! xx

  29. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:33 pm

    thanks sweetie! kisses xx

  30. 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

  31. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:20 pm

    thank you Kathrine! xx

  32. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:16 pm

    thank you Gretch! it means a lot girl xx

  33. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:14 pm

    thanks Bernie! I’m glad the post was an interesting read! xx

  34. Elegant Duchess
    February 24, 2018 / 4:01 pm

    thanks babe xx

  35. 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

  36. 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 🙂

  37. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 9:11 pm

    thank hun, glad you liked the post. xx

  38. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:53 pm

    thank you babe! xx

  39. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:53 pm

    thank you two! so glad my post had some educational value too 🙂 Kisses xx

  40. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:37 pm

    thank you sweetie xx

  41. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:35 pm

    thank you Andrea, glad you enjoyed reading the post xx

  42. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:30 pm

    thank you girl! xx

  43. 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

  44. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:16 pm

    thank you sweetie! xx

  45. Elegant Duchess
    February 23, 2018 / 8:14 pm

    thank you Kathrin! I’m so glad you liked my styling xx

  46. 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

  47. Elegant Duchess
    February 21, 2018 / 7:52 pm

    thank you sweetie! xx

  48. Elegant Duchess
    February 21, 2018 / 7:49 pm

    thank you sweetie xx

  49. Elegant Duchess
    February 21, 2018 / 7:47 pm

    thanks Jennifer! I’m so glad you liked the styling xx

  50. Elegant Duchess
    Author
    February 21, 2018 / 7:31 pm

    thank you both!! xx

  51. Elegant Duchess
    Author
    February 21, 2018 / 7:30 pm

    thanks sweetie! xx

  52. Elegant Duchess
    Author
    February 21, 2018 / 7:26 pm

    thank you gorgeous! I hope you had a fantastic Valentine’s xx

  53. Elegant Duchess
    Author
    February 21, 2018 / 7:26 pm

    hi sweetie. yes I will follow you xx

  54. Elegant Duchess
    February 21, 2018 / 7:16 pm

    thank you beautiful! I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day! xx

  55. Elegant Duchess
    February 21, 2018 / 7:09 pm

    thanks sweetie, it means a lot! xx

  56. 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

  57. 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

  58. 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

  59. 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/

  63. 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

  64. 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

  66. 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

  68. 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

  72. Paola
    February 13, 2018 / 11:05 pm

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

  74. 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

  75. 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

  76. 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

  78. 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/

  80. Shannon Jenkins
    February 13, 2018 / 4:39 am

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

    <3 Shannon 
    Upbeat Soles

  81. 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/

  83. 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

  85. Ptysia
    February 12, 2018 / 8:31 pm

    Amazing look 🙂
    Have a good day!

  86. 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

  87. 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

  88. 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

  89. 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

  91. Kelsey!
    February 11, 2018 / 10:33 pm

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

  92. 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

  93. Kate
    February 11, 2018 / 5:45 pm

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

  96. 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

  100. 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

  102. Karolina
    February 9, 2018 / 12:05 pm

    Hej! Świetny post, jesteś naprawdę megaaa śliczna 🙂

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

  104. 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/

  106. 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/

ACCESSORIES CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR OUTFIT SO CHOOSE THEM CAREFULLY