Here at Buster we spend a great deal of time giving love and attention to plugholes, ensuring they smell nice and remain unblocked and germ-free.
But we do have a little bit of love left over and with Valentine’s Day coming up – here’s a few facts you may not know about our most romantic day.
Why Valentine’s Day?
While there are a number of theories, it is widely accepted that the origins of Valentine’s Day go back to third century Rome and a priest called Valentine who served during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. Claudius outlawed marriage for young men, so they could dedicate their time to being good soldiers, but romantic Valentine defied his emperor and continued to marry young lovers in secret ceremonies. When Claudius discovered what Valentine had been up to he ordered that the priest be put to death – ensuring Valentine would forever be remembered as a martyr for love.
How much?
According to one report, over £1billion will be spent by amorous Brits looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Before Valentine’s Day there was Lupercalia
Valentine’s Day was a Christian replacement for a Roman celebration calledLupercalia, which involved sacrificing dogs and goats, and women being whipped with goat skins to ensure their fertility.
Valentine’s Day around the world
Not all countries celebrate Valentine’s Day as we do in the UK. In Finland, for example, Valentine’s Day is called Ystävänpäivä, which means Friend’s Day and is all about celebrating your best buddies. For Mexicans February 14th is a day of national mourning while in Japan it’s women who do the gift giving on Valentine’s Day. If a man wants to reciprocate, he gets his chance a month later on White Day (March 14).
Make that date
It was King Henry VIII who in 1537, declared, by Royal Charter, that all England would celebrate February 14 as “Saint Valentine’s Day”.
Say it with flowers
Around 70% of the red roses sent in the UK for Valentine’s Day come from Kenya.
Keep it anonymous
The tradition of not signing Valentine’s cards was started by the Victorians. Apparently, it was believed that it was bad luck to include your name.
If you haven’t got a partner…
People without a partner, who are feeling left out on Valentines’ Day, now have the option of celebrating Single’s Awareness Day. Falling on February 15, the day after Valentine’s Day, Single’s Awareness Day can be whatever you want it to be – maybe a celebration of the joys of being single, or a rejection of the over commercialism of Valentine’s Day.
