Welcome to the ultimate challenge! If you think you know everything about Valentine’s Day , this is your chance to prove it. Take the quiz below to test your knowledge, and don’t forget to share your score when you finish!
Results
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#1. In Japanese culture, what is the traditional gift given by women to men on February 14th, categorized as either ‘giri’ or ‘honmei’?
In Japan, Valentine’s Day involves a unique custom where women give chocolate to men. Honmei-choko is reserved for romantic interests, while giri-choko is an obligatory gift for colleagues or acquaintances. This tradition started during the mid-twentieth century following promotional campaigns by local confectioners. Exactly one month later, on White Day, men are expected to return the gesture by providing gifts to the women.
#2. In the traditional language of flowers, which color of rose is most commonly given on Valentine’s Day to represent friendship and joy rather than romantic love?
Yellow roses originated in the Middle East and were discovered by Europeans in the eighteenth century. Unlike red roses, which symbolize deep passion and romance, yellow varieties are historically linked to platonic affection and cheerfulness. During the Victorian era, the language of flowers became a popular way to convey specific feelings, and yellow blooms served as a symbol of optimism and lasting friendship.
#3. In 1400, King Charles VI of France established the ‘High Court of Love’ to handle romantic disputes and marriage contracts on Valentine’s Day in which city?
King Charles VI of France founded the High Court of Love in Paris on Valentine’s Day in 1400. This institution applied the principles of courtly love to settle romantic grievances and legal marriage disputes. Its members included noblemen and clergy who met to hold poetic competitions and discuss social etiquette. This court established one of the earliest formal links between romantic ideals and the February holiday.
#4. Which common idiom originated from a Middle Ages custom where people drew names from a jar to determine their Valentine and wore the paper on their clothing for a week?
During the Middle Ages, men participated in a custom where they drew the name of their Valentine from a jar. They pinned this paper to their sleeves for one week, publicly displaying their affection. This practice eventually inspired the expression heart on your sleeve. William Shakespeare later popularized the phrase in his play Othello to describe someone showing their true emotions openly.
#5. According to popular legend, with what closing phrase did Saint Valentine sign the letter he wrote to his jailer’s daughter before his execution?
Saint Valentine was a Roman priest during the third century. Legend says he performed secret weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry. While imprisoned for his faith, he supposedly healed the blind daughter of his jailer. Before his execution on February fourteenth, he wrote her a farewell note signed from your Valentine, establishing a tradition of exchanging romantic messages on this feast day.
#6. In Roman mythology, which goddess is the mother of Cupid, the god of desire and affection frequently associated with Valentine’s Day?
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She is often identified with the Greek goddess Aphrodite. In mythology, she is the mother of Cupid, who represents desire and affection. Cupid is frequently depicted as a winged child carrying a bow and arrows. Together, these figures influenced Western art and literature, eventually becoming enduring symbols of romance and modern Valentine’s Day celebrations.
#7. In 1929, which American city was the site of the infamous ‘Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre’ involving rival gangs led by Al Capone and Bugs Moran?
The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre occurred on February 14, 1929, within the city of Chicago. This event was a major conflict during Prohibition, a time when the United States banned the production and sale of alcoholic beverages. Seven associates of the North Side Gang were killed by rivals linked to Al Capone. This incident remains a significant example of the violence associated with organized crime.
#8. In William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ which character sings a song containing the lyrics ‘To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day’ while in a state of madness?
Ophelia is the daughter of Polonius and a tragic figure in the William Shakespeare play Hamlet. Following the death of Polonius and a harsh rejection by the prince, she descends into madness during the fourth act. In this state, she wanders the court singing fragmented folk songs and distributing flowers. Her lyrics about Saint Valentine Day symbolize grief and lost innocence while highlighting the psychological toll of royal conflict.
#9. Celebrated exactly one month after Valentine’s Day in many East Asian countries, what is the name of the holiday where men return gifts to women?
White Day originated in Japan during the late 1970s and is observed annually on March 14th. Following the tradition where women give chocolates on Valentine’s Day, this holiday allows men to reciprocate with gifts of their own. Initially promoted by confectionery companies to sell marshmallows and white chocolate, the practice has since expanded across several East Asian nations including South Korea, Taiwan, and China.
#10. Which Catholic Pope is credited with officially establishing February 14th as Saint Valentine’s Day in 496 AD, potentially to replace the pagan festival of Lupercalia?
Pope Gelasius I established the feast day of Saint Valentine in 496 AD to honor early Christian martyrs. Many scholars believe this declaration aimed to replace Lupercalia, a long-standing Roman pagan festival held in mid-February that focused on health and fertility rituals. While the day eventually became associated with romantic love during the Middle Ages, its origins lie in early efforts to Christianize existing Roman customs.
#11. In which European country is Valentine’s Day officially celebrated as ‘Ystävänpäivä,’ which translates to ‘Friendship Day’ rather than a day solely for romantic love?
In Finland, February fourteenth is known as Ystävänpäivä, which translates to Friendship Day. While many countries focus on romantic love during this holiday, the Finnish tradition emphasizes celebrating all platonic friendships. This cultural observance was officially added to the Finnish calendar in the late 1980s. People typically exchange cards, small gifts, and messages with their friends, neighbors, and colleagues to show social appreciation.
#12. Which English poet is credited with the first known literary reference linking Valentine’s Day to romantic love in his work ‘Parlement of Foules’?
Geoffrey Chaucer composed the poem Parlement of Foules, which means Parliament of Birds, around 1382. Before this work, February 14th was simply a liturgical feast day honoring several Christian martyrs. Chaucer introduced the concept of avian courtship by describing birds choosing their mates on this day. His writing helped transform a religious observance into a secular tradition focused on romance that persists globally today.
#13. Who is credited with sending the oldest known Valentine, a poem written while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following the Battle of Agincourt?
Charles d’Orleans was a French duke and nephew of King Charles VI who was captured during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. He spent twenty-five years as a prisoner in England, where he authored over five hundred poems. His famous letter to his wife is currently held at the British Library and is widely recognized as the earliest surviving example of a written valentine.
#14. During the Victorian era, what name was given to the sarcastic and often insulting cards sent anonymously to unwanted suitors on Valentine’s Day?
Vinegar Valentines were a nineteenth-century alternative to traditional romantic greeting cards. These mass-produced items featured caricatures and stinging verses intended to mock a recipient’s appearance, profession, or social status. They gained widespread popularity in both Britain and the United States. Recipients frequently had to pay for the postage themselves, adding a direct financial insult to the emotional sting of the anonymous message.
#15. Which confectionery company first manufactured the heart-shaped conversation candies known as ‘Sweethearts’ in 1901?
The New England Confectionery Company, known as Necco, introduced Sweethearts heart-shaped candies in 1901. They originated from lozenges created by Oliver Chase in 1847 using a specialized machine he invented. These candies became a popular Valentine’s Day staple due to their printed romantic messages. Though production paused briefly when the company closed in 2018, Spangler Candy Company now continues the brand legacy.
#16. Which letter of the alphabet represents a kiss in Valentine’s greetings, originating from a medieval custom of signing documents with a cross and then kissing it to show sincerity?
During the Middle Ages, many individuals were illiterate and signed legal documents with a simple X, representing a Christian cross. To demonstrate that their oath was sincere and binding, they would kiss the symbol. Over time, this physical gesture associated the letter X with a kiss. This tradition eventually transitioned into modern correspondence, particularly on cards and personal letters during holidays like Valentine’s Day.
#17. Which Roman Emperor is traditionally believed to have ordered the execution of Saint Valentine on February 14th for performing secret marriage ceremonies?
Claudius II, also known as Claudius Gothicus, ruled the Roman Empire during the late third century. Legend states he prohibited marriages for young soldiers to keep his army focused on war rather than family life. Saint Valentine defied this decree by secretly marrying couples, which led to his eventual arrest and execution. This sacrifice later established February fourteenth as a day celebrating romantic love and devotion.
#18. Which 19th-century American artist is widely known as the “Mother of the American Valentine” for her role in mass-producing the first commercial valentine cards in the U.S.?
Esther Howland is widely known as the Mother of the American Valentine for her role in mass producing the first commercial valentines in the United States. Previously, such cards were imported from Europe and quite expensive. Inspired by English designs, she began assembling cards in Worcester, Massachusetts, using lace and silk. Her company grew rapidly, employing local women and transforming Valentines Day into a major commercial holiday.
#19. In which Italian city do thousands of people send letters addressed to Juliet every Valentine’s Day, inspired by Shakespeare’s play?
Verona is the historic setting for William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet. Every year, thousands of letters addressed to Juliet arrive in the city from global writers seeking romantic advice. These messages are handled by a dedicated group of volunteers called the Juliet Club. Many tourists also visit a building from the thirteenth century known as Juliet’s House, which features the famous stone balcony linked to the play.
#20. Which ancient Roman fertility festival, traditionally held in mid-February, is frequently cited as a precursor to modern Valentine’s Day?
Lupercalia was an ancient Roman festival celebrated annually from February 13 to 15 to promote health and fertility. During this event, priests sacrificed goats and dogs, using the hides to touch women in a ritual meant to ensure easy childbirth. In the late fifth century, Pope Gelasius I replaced the pagan celebration with Saint Valentine’s Day, leading many historians to link the two traditions.
#21. Which British chocolatier was the first to produce a heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1861?
Richard Cadbury introduced the first heart-shaped candy box in 1861 to boost sales for his family business. These decorative containers featured intricate Victorian designs often depicting his own children or floral scenes. Beyond their initial use, the sturdy boxes were marketed as keepsakes for storing love letters or trinkets. This strategic packaging helped establish the modern tradition of gifting chocolates on Valentine’s Day.