Every Valentines Day, romantics get in lines at grocery stores to buy a bouquet of roses or a box of chocolate covered strawberries for their significant lover. But have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day even started or why people celebrate it? Keep reading for more information.

1. Did You Know Valentine’s Day Started With The Romans?

There are two theories about how it was started with the Romans. The first theory started from Lupercalia, a raucous Roman festival on February 15th where men stripped naked and spanked young maidens in the hopes of upping their fertility. And the second theory is that Roman Emperor Claudius II, was trying to bolster his army, he also forbade young men to ever marry, because apparently, single men make better soldiers. St. Valentine defied the ban and performed secret marriages, so he broke the law.

2. Passing Out Valentines is a 600-Year-Old Tradition

Each year, kids across the United States pass out Valentine’s Day cards or candies out to their fellow classmates.

3. The Heart Shape Wasn’t Always a Love Symbol

The heart was once believed to be humans’ center of memory, where the feelings of love were recorded. We have French and Italian artists from the 14th century to thank for the symbol that we know and love today in our generation.

4. Roses Are The Flowers of Love

The favorite flowers of the Roman Goddess are, of course, red roses. It stands for strong romantic feelings and everyone seems to get a bouquet of red roses for women.

5. People Think The Colors Red and Pink Mean Love

65% of Americans believe that red and pink should be on the packaging of Valentine’s candies.