We do not know whether the martyr, the holy valentine, was interested in chocolate and flowers for the officialization of the banned marriages of persecuted Christians. But we know that millions of people around the world will use those products to celebrate his name on February 14.
In the UK, it is estimated 60% Celebrating Valentine’s Day this year on population, each cost about £ 52 Gifts and other romantic gestures. About the total cost of the United States US $ 27 Billion (£ 22 bilian), including roughly 500 USD In roses.
So it seems that the tradition of spending money to your love partner on February 14 has been very well established. But it is difficult to know exactly when the connection started.
Until the late 14th century, Valentine’s Day is only for the memory of her sacrifice. The transition towards a connection with love is revealed in the Middle Ages, and this is often the reason for the poet Jeffrey saucerValentine’s Day is a romance in his poetic parliament.
But that is the 19th century Industrial revolution It brought the mass product of romantic gifts. Audible The first chocolate maker Commercialize the connection between love and candy by making heart -shaped chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1868. These boxes are decorated with pictures of Manmadhan, roses and hearts, and sometimes love letters and monuments are saved.
Although Hallmark did not find this opportunity, it played a big role in improving its popularity by selling Valentine’s Day postcards in 1910, and then Its own printing Greetings Cards since 1916.
Now in the United States, around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged every year, which is the second largest annual opportunity for card issuing (after Christmas).
But it seeks to benefit from the business opportunities that offer Valentine’s Day not only by car sellers, florists and chocolate makers. For example this year, Ikea Nine British couples have partnered with dating usage to give the first date to “a lifetime” in an IKEA shop, where they share dinner for two men in bed.
Legoa Travel propaganda To show its flower designs in major cities around the world, and Coca-Cola is combined with a fast food brand to create a valentine-garment Drive-thru experience.
Chocolate and marshmallos
This kind of marketing campaigns are only possible for the long history of valentine traditions around the world.
For example in Japan, this is a two -part celebration. On February 14, women often give friends and colleagues “Giri-Soco” (“duty chocolate”, while “Home-Soko” (“Real-Conscious Chocolate”) is reserved for romantic partners. On March 14, called White Day, men exchange jewelry and low -cost gifts by giving white (low -cost gifts (Marshmallows A popular choice).
Celebrations in South Korea are the same as in Japan, but in addition to Black day Single people gather at restaurants to eat black noodles (jazangmion) on April 14. In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is marked by mass marriages organized by the government.
In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is called “Friends Day”, which focuses on celebrating non -romantic love and friendship. A similar idea, “Galend’s Day”It was featured in the 2010 episode of American Sidcom Parks and Hobbies, a popular way to celebrate female friendship.
Love for sale
Of course, not all consumers enjoy Valentine’s Day rituals. For many, there is Pressure Love is linked to shopping, and for others it is an unpleasant reminder of their single position.
It can also bring social pressure and lead to more feelings Obligation and self -hate.
But there is a market And then. Valentine has encouraged other ways to celebrate (not) including a day’s feeling The box of chocolates Targeting single people.
It can be a very valuable day for big and small businesses. Elevated Participation levels And OutstandingValentine’s Day brings a huge upheaval in revenue to fields including retail, hospitality and entertainment.
Therefore, it is worth remembering that love will give you a significant encouragement to the economy, even if this is not too romantic.
Sameer HosaniMarketing Professor, University of Royal Holowy. This article is re -published Conversation Under the Creative Commons License. Read Original article.
