Love and more love: Some fun facts about Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day is fast approaching.  Now who wouldn’t be familiar with this great day meant for sharing love gestures?  I know many couples excitedly wait for February 14 so they can express their feelings to their partners.  However, though we may be familiar with the day’s history, some may not know some interesting information involving the celebration.  Here is a list of fun facts to think about:
•  Animal love.  About 3 percent of pet owners will give gifts to their pets.  The reason is that most pet owners consider animals to be more grateful and loyal than humans.
•  A rose by any other name.  California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine’s Day in the U.S. are imported, mostly from South America.  Approximately 110 million roses — the majority red — will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period.
•  Flowery messages:    Each color of rose sent on Valentine’s Day have some meaning.  A red rose means love and respect, pink says, “I am having sweet thoughts about you” and white stands for purity and states, “I am worthy of you.”  Also the number of roses also counts.  For instance, one stands for love at first sight, 12 is to say “I love you,” 108 is recommended for marriage proposals and 999 means “we’ll always be together.”
•  “Signed, XOXO.”  Many believe the X symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times.  People who couldn’t write their names signed in front of a witness with an X.  The X was then kissed to show their sincerity.
•  Sweets and romance.    The most romantic place to share candy is in front of the fireplace, according to an American poll done in 2012.
•  Cure a broken heart.  In the 1800s, doctors commonly advised their heartbroken patients to eat chocolate, claiming it would soothe their pain.  To this day, many women find comfort in a box of chocolates when dealing with hearbreak.
•  The symbol of love.  The heart is the most common symbol of romantic love. Ancient cultures believed the human soul lived in the heart.  Others thought it to be the source of emotion and intelligence. Some believed the heart embodied a man’s truth, strength and nobility.   However, the heart may be associated with love because the ancient Greeks believed it was the target of Eros, known as Cupid to the Romans. Anyone shot in the heart by one of Cupid’s arrows would fall hopelessly in love. Because the heart is so closely linked to love, it’s red color is thought to be the most romantic.
•  Lonely hearts club. If you’re single, don’t despair — February 14 is also Single Awareness Day (SAD).  Meant as an alternative to love and romance, the holiday is for single people to celebrate or to commiserate in their single status. (AJPress)