10 Valentine’s Day Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
Because nothing says 'I love you' like a naked baby riding a giant fish...
Valentine's Day is lovely, isn't it? On 14 February, millions of people will send cards, balloons, flowers, gifts and enough chocolate to fill Willy Wonka's river ten times over. Love is in the air and the world can't resist the urge to splash some cash on those little Hallmark cards adorned with mushy messages.
But when you stop to think about it, it's a pretty weird holiday.
Just consider: one of its chief mascots (Cupid) is a naked baby who shoots arrows at passers by. Then, there's the historical legend that Saint Valentine was a Roman priest who found himself imprisoned for aiding persecuted Christians. See? Weird.
Enough about that though: no doubt you want to know the juicy stuff, like how Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world and whether or not you're the only one who buys a beautiful bouquet for their dog every year.
You're not, and it turns out Valentine's itself has a colourful history that extends beyond bare-bummed cherubs and well-meaning men of the cloth...