Tulips Talk

Valentine Quiz Answers

February 7th, 2009

1. Some people used to believe that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine’s Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man and be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

2. The Roman emperor named Claudius. Claudius was having trouble getting men to serve in his army. He felt many men would not volunteer to join because they did not want to leave their wives and families. He thought that if men were not married, they would join the army. So Claudius passed a new law which did not allow any more marriages. Most people thought this law was cruel. Valentine, who was a minister, did not support the new law.

3. Even after Emperor Claudius passed the law, he kept performing marriage ceremonies secretly. One night he was caught and thrown in jail and told he would be put to death.

4. On the day of his death Valentine wrote a note to the daughter signed “Love from your Valentine.” This was on February 14, 269 A. D.

5. Yearly more than 900 million cards will be exchanged. Valentine’s Day is second only to Christmas for the number of cards sent.

6. Canada, Britain, Italy, France, Denmark (in fact, most western countries).

7. Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love.

8. In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling.

9. Roses. They symbolize both peace and war, love and forgiveness.
    White roses are for true love.
    Red roses are for passion.
    Yellow roses are for friendship.
    Black roses mean farewell.

10. The Hallmark Company produced its first Valentine in 1913.

Bonus question:

How do you write I Love You in German? In French?  In Spanish? In Italian? In Portuguese?  In Cantonese?

German: Ich liebe Dich
French: Je t’aime
Spanish: Te amo
Italian: Ti amo

Remember to Order Flowers for your Valentine this Valentine’s Day!

Entry Filed under: Valentines