How did Valentine's Day become so sweet?
Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 11:15PM 
Valentine's Day, February 14, is the holiday of love, whether romantic or friendship-based. But where did it come from, and how did chocolate (thankfully!) become associated with it?
The holiday began as an ancient Roman fertility festival, was Christianized with a St. Valentine who according to legend married star-crossed lovers in secret against the wishes of Roman emperor Claudius II, became a day to celebrate romance during the rise of courtly love during the 14th century, and has since spread throughout the world, in various permutations. On Valentine's Day in Japan for example, women give chocolate to men!
Chocolate has long been associated with love, from Mayan times onward, because of its mood elevating properties. (The way to a woman's heart is through chocolate truffles?) In contemporary times, the week of Valentine's Day is the number one week for chocolate purchases (and the day after Valentine's Day is the number one day for chocolate bargains). A holiday for romantic love needs its talismans, and wouldn't you agree Valentine's Day wouldn't be the same without chocolate!
Celebrate the Philadelphia Chocolate Tours way on a Chocolate and Champagne Tour! Happy Valentine's Day!
Your friend in chocolate,
Valerie
Reader Comments (1)
Yum yum, this mouth watering feeling again.. :p Love those cakes. :) You made this?