Paranormal erotic romance author Madeline Pryce here to talk about love and VD, two words that are–depending on your definition of VD–synonymous. I say, better safe than sorry. Anything with the initials VD deserves a bit of research before indulging.
Here are thirteen interesting things I learned about VD (Valentine’s Day):
1 – Lupercalia (one of the origins of Valentine’s Day) was an archaic Roman festival that took place between Feb 13 – 15, celebrating spring by pairing off single women with men by lottery.
2 – But wait, it gets darker””during Lupercalia, tradition called for men to sacrifice a goat and a dog, then whip their women with the hides of the animals they had just slain to promote fertility. Romance at its finest, if you’re into that sort of thing”¦
3 – The average person will spend $130 on candy, gifts, dinner and other miscellaneous items. Retail sales are expected to hit $17 billion dollars. This doesn’t include medical expenses for those who received an *actual* VD from their loved ones.
4 – VD (I’m sorry, I keep snickering every time I type this) is one of the most popular days to end a relationship. Let’s hope the break had nothing to do with actual venereal disease… see number 3.
5 – Studies sadly continue to suggest that Valentine’s Day is “nationally, the time with the highest rate of suicide.” 🙁
6 – In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day, gold jewelry sales generate 34 million tons of mine waste.
7 – Red roses emit about 9,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) on this very special day. If you’re going green this year, you might want to ask for an eBook instead of flowers (I’ve got a few recommendations at the end of this post).
8 – The condom industry rakes in more money than ever on and around VD (20-30% increase)”¦
9 – “¦so do at-home pregnancy tests, usually around March.
10 – The quality of chocolate at Valentine’s Day is significantly lower and will remain that way until March. What kind of crap is that? Who wants to stage a revolt with me?
11- 15 percent of U.S. women send themselves flowers on Valentine’s Day.
12 – Valentine’s Day was first introduced to Japan in 1936 and has become widely popular. However, because of a translation error made by a chocolate company, only women buy Valentine chocolates for their spouses, boyfriends, or friends. In fact, it is the only day of the year many single women will reveal their crush on a man by giving him chocolate. The men don’t return the favor until White Day, a type of “answer day” to Valentine’s Day, which is on March 14.
13 – Started by a group of feminists, “Quirkyalone Day” is celebrated on February 14 as an alternative to VD. It is geared toward people who “resist the tyranny of coupledom.” Another alternate VD celebration is SAD (Single Awareness Day), which reminds people that they don’t need to be in a relationship to celebrate life. <3
Readers *pats the seat next to me* come on down and tell me which group you fall into. Are you a Valentine’s Day-er, a Quirkyalone Day-er or are you SAD? Perhaps you have a funny VD story to tell, I want to hear about it!
As always, I come bearing gifts. Like swag? Want some bookmarks and magnets? Email me at madelinepryce@gmail.com. These are shipped to you at no cost.
Want to reduce your carbon footprint this VD? Read an eBook (or two) – here’s a new series you can try.
Indulge in a fantasy. Succumb to the dark.
Available at…
| Amazon | Amazon CA |
| Amazon UK | Amazon AU |
| B&N | Goodreads |
I am a reluctant Valentine’s Day-er. I don’t buy into the commercialized “holidays” but I have kids so I do buy them candy, cards, and sometimes flowers. Went shopping just last night for Valentines, shopped at a discount retailer (Target) and still spent nearly $50 and we will probably go to dinner tomorrow night, hence I will fall right in line with the average spent on VD. 🙂
LOL!! There is nothing wrong with that Lois <3 While my husband and I don't celebrate, I do buy cards and candy for my kids to pass out at school. So, I guess I'm with you in the "reluctant" VD *snickers* category! As for going out to dinner, ya, I don't think so. LOL. We've got four little ones (that's right, I said 4!) so going out to eat would be a circus.
Ooooo – I love odd trivia. But I wasn’t sure if I would need to get a shot or take some large pills before reading your post. LOL
If you’re staging a revolt over low quanties of chocolate, give me a shout. I’m there!
HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!! You have four great valentine’s to cherish!! Hugs!