Intro
Get ready to swoon with our 14 Valentines Day trivia questions that will put your love knowledge to the test. Explore the history of Valentines Day, romantic gestures, and sweet treats, while brushing up on love-themed literature, music, and pop culture. Perfect for couples, friends, and singles, test your love IQ this February 14th!
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of showering our loved ones with affection, gifts, and sweet treats. But how well do you really know the holiday and its rich history? Are you a hopeless romantic, or do you think you're a love expert? Take our Valentine's Day trivia quiz to find out!
1. Ancient Origins
Valentine's Day has its roots in ancient Roman and Christian traditions. The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different martyred saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred on February 14th. But which ancient Roman festival was also celebrated on February 14th?
A) Lupercalia B) Saturnalia C) Floralia D) Vesta
Answer: A) Lupercalia
Fun Fact:
Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus, and the Roman founders, Romulus and Remus.
2. Love Letters
The tradition of exchanging love letters and gifts on Valentine's Day originated in the 15th century. Who is credited with writing the first Valentine's Day poem?
A) Geoffrey Chaucer B) William Shakespeare C) John Donne D) Robert Burns
Answer: A) Geoffrey Chaucer
Fun Fact:
Chaucer's poem, "Parlement of Foules," written in 1382, is considered one of the earliest recorded associations of Valentine's Day with courtly love.
3. Symbolism
The heart symbol, often used to represent love and Valentine's Day, has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome. What does the heart symbol originally represent?
A) The brain B) The soul C) The heart organ D) The silphium plant
Answer: D) The silphium plant
Fun Fact:
The silphium plant was a type of giant fennel or fern that was highly prized in ancient Greece and Rome for its culinary and medicinal properties.
4. Chocolate
Chocolate has become a popular gift on Valentine's Day, but it wasn't always associated with the holiday. When did the tradition of giving chocolate on Valentine's Day begin?
A) 18th century B) 19th century C) Early 20th century D) Mid-20th century
Answer: B) 19th century
Fun Fact:
Richard Cadbury, a British chocolatier, is credited with popularizing the tradition of giving chocolate on Valentine's Day in the mid-19th century.
5. Roses
Fresh roses are a classic Valentine's Day gift, but did you know that the tradition of giving roses on Valentine's Day has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome?
A) True B) False
Answer: A) True
Fun Fact:
In ancient Greece and Rome, roses were associated with the goddess of love, Aphrodite and Venus, respectively.
6. Valentine's Day in Japan
In Japan, Valentine's Day is celebrated on two different days: February 14th and March 14th. What is the significance of March 14th?
A) White Day B) Pink Day C) Chocolate Day D) Love Day
Answer: A) White Day
Fun Fact:
On White Day, which is celebrated on March 14th, men return the favors and give gifts to women.
7. X-Rated
In the 19th century, Valentine's Day cards were often racy and suggestive. What percentage of Valentine's Day cards were considered "racy" during this time period?
A) 10% B) 20% C) 30% D) 40%
Answer: D) 40%
Fun Fact:
The Victorians were known for their strict social etiquette, but it seems they had a softer side when it came to Valentine's Day.
8. Candy Hearts
Those iconic conversation heart candies were invented in the mid-19th century. Who is credited with their invention?
A) Oliver Chase B) Daniel Chase C) William Chase D) James Chase
Answer: A) Oliver Chase
Fun Fact:
Oliver Chase, the inventor of conversation heart candies, was a pharmacist who created the first machine that could press and cut out the candies.
9. Love Birds
The tradition of linking Valentine's Day with birds, particularly love birds, has its roots in ancient mythology. Which bird is often associated with Valentine's Day?
A) Dove B) Robin C) Sparrow D) Finch
Answer: A) Dove
Fun Fact:
In ancient mythology, the dove was associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, and Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
10. Be Mine
The phrase "Be Mine" is a popular phrase on Valentine's Day, but it wasn't always a romantic expression. What was the original meaning of "Be Mine"?
A) A declaration of love B) A request for a romantic partner C) A phrase used in card games D) A phrase used in business transactions
Answer: C) A phrase used in card games
Fun Fact:
The phrase "Be Mine" originated in the 19th century as a phrase used in card games, but it later became a popular phrase on Valentine's Day.
11. Historical Figures
Which historical figure is credited with sending the first Valentine's Day card?
A) Charles II of England B) King Henry VIII C) Napoleon Bonaparte D) Charles I of England
Answer: D) Charles I of England
Fun Fact:
Charles I of England is credited with sending the first Valentine's Day card to his wife, Henrietta Maria, in the 17th century.
12. Alternative Names
Valentine's Day has been known by many alternative names throughout history. What is one of the earliest recorded alternative names for Valentine's Day?
A) Saint Valentine's Eve B) The Feast of Saint Valentine C) The Day of Love D) The Eve of Saint Valentine
Answer: B) The Feast of Saint Valentine
Fun Fact:
The Feast of Saint Valentine was first recorded in the 14th century and was celebrated on February 14th.
13. Unconventional Celebrations
In some countries, Valentine's Day is celebrated in unconventional ways. In which country is Valentine's Day celebrated with a "Black Day" on April 14th?
A) Japan B) South Korea C) China D) Taiwan
Answer: B) South Korea
Fun Fact:
In South Korea, Black Day is celebrated on April 14th, where single people mourn their single status by wearing black and eating black noodles.
14. Valentine's Day Around the World
Valentine's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, but in which country is it not celebrated at all?
A) China B) India C) Japan D) Saudi Arabia
Answer: D) Saudi Arabia
Fun Fact:
In Saudi Arabia, Valentine's Day is not celebrated due to the country's strict Islamic laws and cultural norms.
Valentine's Day Image Gallery
We hope you enjoyed our Valentine's Day trivia quiz! Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just looking for some fun facts to impress your loved ones, we've got you covered. Share your scores and favorite fun facts in the comments below, and don't forget to spread the love on Valentine's Day!