$AINT VALENTINE$

It is a little strange for me to understand about Saint Valentine Celebration, so I research a little. The First surprise is that in the early years many Christian martyrs were called Valentine, and in February 14th the church celebrate 2 Valentine (Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni). Both killed in very tragic circumstances but not associated with anything romantic or love.
THE LEGEND
In the XIV century, a legend start to grow that a priest called Valentine wasn’t allow to perform wedding by the roman emperor Claudio II, but he did anyway. The emperor found out and he sent the priest to jail. The night before he died the priest send a letter to his beloved creating the first valentine card. That legend is not approved by the Christian church and they had eliminated Valentine and the Christian holydays.

THE CARDS
In Marketing terms Valentine is the second day of the year more cards are being sent in United States with 180 million cards. 65% of the household in US declare to participate giving greeting cards during Valentine’s day. 50% of the cards are purchased in the last 6 days before February 14th.Ecological Cards. Trick Pony is company based in Boston who makes screen-printed cards and stationary by hand using water-based inks on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. This indie graphic design and production company sells their beautiful products on Etsy.com as well as through their website.

FLOWERS

The market of domestic roses is about $68 millions, followed by lilies with $58 millions. $246 million is the value of U.S. imports of cut flowers from Colombia during a recent 10-month period. Colombia was the leading foreign supplier of cut flowers for the United States.

CHOCOLATE
The consumption per capita of Chocolate in US is 24 lb per year, it is believed a large portion is consumed around Valentine's Day. Canada is the principal source of Chocolate, the total imports is about $418 million.
In Japan, it’s the men who receive gifts of chocolate on Valentine’s Day. As reported by the BBC:
“In Japan, things are different. Women are supposed to give chocolate to the men in their lives - boyfriends, co-workers but especially their bosses. The Japanese call it Giri choco, or obligation chocolate, and it’s big business. Senior executives receive dozens of chocolate boxes from their female staff, which they often take home and feed to their families and children.”

JEWERLY
303 jewelry stores are in the United States. Jewelry stores sell wedding, engagement and other rings and other baubles to lovers of all ages. Last February, these stores sold $2.1 billion in merchandise; over a recent 12-month period, sales were at a higher level only in December.Trendhunter reports that new trend for Rock user is the customization of the jewelry to still be a rocker but take care about your lady in Valentines

This is very important because Valentine’s day is a marketing holiday where the people fell pressure to buy, eat and consume. This is a cultural, not a religious holiday and in each country can be celebrated different. Finally you must not underestimate this days because moves an important part of the economy of the month… Incredible