There’s romance in the air – if the arctic chill doesn’t cool things off. The weather forecast for this weekend calls for subzero temps in the Northeast and Midwest – a supposedly record-setting Valentine’s Day weekend, according to ABC News. We’re talking wind chills of 20 to 30 degrees below. But those here in Phoenix shouldn’t worry. With projected highs in the mid-80s, your Valentine’s Day looks warm and sunny.
Ah, Valentine’s Day: Love it or hate it, this billion-dollar holiday is a firmly established tradition in the hearts and minds of many Americans.
Let’s take a look at the evidence:
- That billion-dollar figure we mentioned above? Apparently, it’s true: According to Forbes (which supplied a lovely infographic on the subject; link below), Americans are set to spend a record $19.7 billion this Valentine’s Day 2016.
- More than 62% of Americans celebrate the holiday and they do so with greeting cards, flowers, candy or other gifts, and dinner out.
- Of course, Valentine’s Day is rooted in romance: The holiday goes back to Lupercalia, the ancient “raucous” Roman fertility festival.
Other Valentine’s Day tidbits:
The mass-produced greeting cards as we know them today (Hallmark, etc.) first came about in the 1840s, according to History.com, and Valentine’s Day soon “exploded” into a major consumer holiday.
And, if you’ve got a hunch that your significant other might pop the question, you could be right: An estimated six million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day.
Have a great Valentine’s Day 2016!
For all of you who are celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, we at DeShon Laraye Pullen PLC wish you a wonderful day. And, for those of you who aren’t celebrating, we wish you a wonderful day just the same.
Sources:
- Valentine’s Day 2016: America’s $20 Billion Day Of Love [Infographic]
