Valentine's Trivia

True or False: Valentine’s Day has roots in both Christian and Ancient Roman traditions

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus.

Lupercalia, also known as Lupercal, was a pastoral festival of Ancient Rome observed annually on February 15 to purify the city, promoting health and fertility. Lupercalia was also known as dies Februatus, after the purification instruments called februa, the basis for the month named Februarius.

Who is the son of Venus and the Roman god of love, desire, and attraction?

• Ares
• Zeus
• Hercules
• Cupid

Answer explanation

Cupid is the son of Venus and the god of Love; in Latin he is called Amor, and in Greek, Eros. He is usually shown as a winged child. His attributes are a bow, arrow and quiver. Those hit by his arrows become lovers.

How many roses are estimated to be produced for Valentine's Day?

• 250 million
• 1 billion
• 100 million
• 500 million

Answer explanation

In 2022, in America alone, about 22% of the population bought fresh flowers or plants as gifts for Valentine’s day, of which 83% were roses.

Which country celebrates Platonic Love on February 14?

• Australia
• Brazil
• Japan
• Finland

Answer explanation

Known as Ystävän Päivä in Finnish and Sõbrapäev in Estonian, Friend’s Day is celebrated by single people and couples alike. Families, friends and couples gather for shared meals and sporting activities like skating or sledding.

What U.S city is known for its wedding chapels and Elvis impersonating officiants?

• Chicago

• Las Vegas

• Los Angeles
• New York City

Answer explanation

Elvis weddings in Las Vegas have a rich history dating back to the 1960s when the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley, was a headlining performer in the city. It wasn’t long before Elvis impersonators began to pop up, offering couples the chance to have their weddings officiated by the legendary figure. This quirky and entertaining option soon became a Las Vegas staple and a symbol of the city’s reputation for spontaneous and unconventional weddings.

What brain chemical is known as the "cuddle" or  "love hormone?"

• serotonin
• dopamine
• oxytocin

• adrenaline

Answer explanation

Researchers in one 2012 study found that couples in the first stages of romantic attachment had significantly higher levels of oxytocin than their unattached counterparts.

Our bodies also produce oxytocin when we're excited by our partners, and when we fall in love. That's why it has earned the nicknames "love hormone" and "cuddle hormone.

St. Valentine's Day was a feast day in the Catholic religion, added to the liturgical calendar around 500 AD. The day was commemorated for martyred saints named—you guessed it—Valentine. True or False: the saint that inspired the holiday may have been based on two different people.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Valentine is likely based on a combination of two Valentines who were executed on February 14 in different years by Roman Emperor Claudius II in the 3rd century A.C.E.

One was a Roman priest, another the bishop of Interamna (modern Terni, Italy) both buried along the Via Flaminia outside Rome, at different distances from the city.

The most recognized St. Valentine was a priest who helped people do what?

• Helped people escape

• Helped people get married
• Helped people meet someone

• Helped people start a business

Answer explanation

This was against the “law” at this time because the emperor felt that single men made better soldiers.

What insanely popular website debuted on Valentine's Day in 2005?

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube

Answer explanation

The domain name "YouTube.com" was activated on February 14, 2005, with video upload options being integrated on April 23, 2005, after being named "Tune In, Hook Up" ─ the original idea of Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim.

In the Victorian era, mean-spirited Valentine's Day cards were called "___ Valentines."

• Vinegar

• Sweet

• Bitter

• Sour

Answer explanation

In the Victorian era, and into the 20th century, lovers exchanged elaborate lace-trimmed cards on Valentine’s Day, expressing their undying love and devotion with sentiments and poems.

For those not on good terms, or who wanted to fend off an enemy or unwanted suitor, “vinegar valentines” offered a stinging alternative.