A man is silhouetted as he fills heart shaped balloons with helium while waiting for customers on Valentine's Day in Islamabad February 14, 2012.
A man is silhouetted as he fills heart shaped balloons with helium while waiting for customers on Valentine's Day in Islamabad February 14, 2012. Reuters/Faisal Mahmood

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you think this is just one of those days when hearts are in full bloom, think again. There may be interesting things about Valentine’s Day you don’t know yet. Here are five of them:

1. Cards Galore

Did you know that Valentine’s Day ranks second as far as exchanging cards is concerned? That’s right, it comes at a close second to Christmas. Lovers aren’t the only ones who give each other greeting cards this time of the year but a huge percentage also comes from students who give cards to their teachers as well as to their parents.

2. Say it With a Poem

Writing your own love poem and giving it to your special someone is the sweetest, no-cost gesture you could ever give. This is nothing new at all because based on the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest recorded love poem dates back around 3500 BD and was known as "Istanbul #2461" and was believed to be written by the bride of King Shu-Sin of Sumeria.

3. Roses for Love

Do you ever wonder why men love giving women roses on Valentine’s Day? That’s because these blood red flowers symbolise love and beauty, just like the goddess Venus. No other flower could best symbolise this day of hearts.

4. The Box That Says it All

Chocolates come in fancy boxes nowadays. A Valentine present will never be complete without this treat. Richard Cadbury was the first to introduce chocolates in boxes in the late 1800s. Since then, they became a worldwide favourite not only during Valentine’s but the whole year round.

5. Not Just in the Movies

If you fell in love watching “Letters to Juliet” then you should be happy to know that in reality, there are really women who write letters to Juliet during Valentine’s Day. In fact, approximately 1000 letters addressed to Juliet are being sent to Verona, Italy every 14th of February.

These interesting facts prove that indeed, there's more to Valentine's Day than roses, chocolates, and cards.

For questions/comments regarding the article, you may email the writer at sprevendido25ibtimes@gmail.com.