10 Surprising Facts About Valentine’s Day You Didn’t Know

Valentine’s Day is here—a time for love, chocolates, roses, and awkwardly worded greeting cards. But did you know this holiday has a history as quirky as a rom-com plot? Let’s dive into 10 surprising (and geek-friendly) facts about Valentine’s Day that will make you the trivia hero at your next gathering.

1. Cupid Wasn’t Always a Chubby Baby

In Roman mythology, Cupid (a.k.a. Eros in Greek lore) was originally depicted as a mischievous young man with godlike abs and a flair for drama. Think of him as the original chaotic neutral character—armed with arrows that could make or break love. Today’s cherubic version? Let’s just say he got nerfed.

2. The First Valentine Was Written in Prison

Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent the first recorded Valentine’s message to his wife in 1415 while locked up in the Tower of London. Proof that even medieval geeks couldn’t resist a heartfelt DM—on parchment, of course.

3. Teachers Get the Most Valentines

Move over, soulmates! Teachers receive more Valentine’s cards than anyone else. It seems kids have been practicing their “appreciation meta” long before it became trendy.

4. Finland Celebrates Friendship Instead

In Finland, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä, or “Friendship Day.” Instead of romantic love, they celebrate platonic bonds. It’s like the “co-op mode” of Valentine’s traditions—perfect for geeks who value their party members.

5. Conversation Hearts Have Been Around Forever

Those pastel candies with messages like “Be Mine” and “LOL” date back to 1866. Fun fact: If they were updated for geeks, we’d probably see phrases like “You’re My Player 2” or “404 Love Not Found.”

6. Alexander Graham Bell Patented the Telephone on Valentine's Day

On February 14, 1876, Bell filed his patent for the telephone—a device that would later revolutionize long-distance relationships (and pave the way for awkward late-night texts).

7. The Taj Mahal Is the Ultimate Valentine

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It’s basically the world’s fanciest “I love you.” For comparison, your box of chocolates looks… well, let’s not go there.

8. Pets Are Getting in on the Action

About 3% of pet owners give Valentine’s gifts to their furry friends. Because nothing says “I love you” like a heart-shaped chew toy or a catnip-filled plushie.

9. Juliet Gets More Mail Than Santa

Every year, thousands of people send letters to Juliet (yes, that Juliet) in Verona, Italy. Volunteers from the Juliet Club answer them all—proving that Shakespearean drama still has fans centuries later.

10. Geeky Love Is on the Rise

From matching “Player 1 & Player 2” T-shirts to mugs that say “You Autocomplete Me,” geek culture has taken over Valentine’s Day gifting trends. Because nothing says romance like bonding over fandoms and inside jokes.

Bonus: How to Celebrate Like a True Geek

Want to level up your Valentine's Day game? Skip the clichés and check out unique gifts like our "You Autocomplete Me" mug or "Will You Be My Player 2?" T-shirt for your favorite nerdy partner-in-crime. Valentine's Day isn’t just about roses and chocolates—it’s about celebrating love in all its forms (including your love for trivia). So go forth and spread some geeky affection!