The red rose, a year round symbol of love, is often given on Valentine's day. The International Cut Flower Growers Association estimates that 100 million roses will be sold for Valentine's Day this year, generally going for between $60-$65 per dozen.

The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" takes its origin from the Middle ages when young men and women would draw names from a wooden bowl to discover the identity of their valentine. They would were the name they chose on their sleeve for a week.

It is common for many bird breeders to use Valentine's Day as the beginning of the annual breeding season. On February 14th, male and female birds are brought back together after months of separation.

Valentine's Day is also celebrated in Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and France.

So...

This year, instead of giving simply a box of chocolates or dozen roses, why not write a poem to your love? It will most definitely last longer, and is guaranteed to be cherished...as long as you don't begin with "Roses are...".

Happy Valentine's Day!

About the Author

Michelle Gonzalez is the editor of both www.youthweekly.com and www.inspiredparent.com . A mother of three, she enjoys writing articles as well as poems and stories in her spare time. Her passions around childrens literacy and good parenting led her to create her two successful ezines.