Buzz
[This list includes a contest – check comment 1 for more info] As Valentine’s Day rapidly approaches, those in love, those hoping for love, or those wishing to rekindle their romance are getting ready with flowers, chocolates, and cards for their special someone. However, the 14th of February isn’t all about romance and sweetness, as this list highlights.
1 Facts 1 – 5
1. During the two-week stretch before Valentine’s Day, the American market for gold jewelry results in 34 million metric tons of waste.
2. The overwhelming majority of roses purchased for Valentine’s Day in the U.S. come from South America, contributing to fossil fuel waste.
3. Valentine’s Day has its origins in an ancient pagan festival known as Lupercalia, during which men would strip down, wield whips, and strike young women in an attempt to enhance their fertility.
4. The Christian martyr St. Valentine was executed on February 14 for secretly conducting marriages.
5. Studies indicate that 75 percent of suicide attempts are linked to issues within relationships.
2 Facts 6 – 10
6. 46 percent of Americans will swap candy on Valentine’s Day.
7. 67 percent of Americans are either overweight or obese.
8. The first-ever Valentine’s Day card was sent by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He remained captive for the following twenty-four years.
9. A recent survey found that one in ten young adults admitted to feeling lonely, insecure, depressed, or unwanted on Valentine’s Day. And that’s only the ones who were honest about it.
10. 40 percent of individuals harbor negative emotions about Valentine’s Day.
3 Facts 11 – 14
11. The infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, during which seven Chicago gangsters were gunned down on February 14, 1929, is considered one of the bloodiest events in mob history (as shown above).
12. 64 percent of American men fail to plan for Valentine’s Day ahead of time.
13. Candy hearts taste awful.
14. No matter how deeply in love you are right now, the inevitable truth is that you will still die someday.
Lia Romeo and Nick Romeo are the authors behind the humorous book 11,002 Things to Be Miserable About, as well as the humor blog www.thingstobemiserableabout.com.
