Did you know that each year, Britons spend around £503m on cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts for Valentine’s Day? That’s a lot of love!

Traditionally, winter-ravaged Britain welcomes spring on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, also the day when birds choose their mates. Not surprisingly, in many parts of England, this day is also referred to as ‘Birds’ Wedding Day’.

Along with the typical cards, fresh flowers, chocolate and love gifts, an outpouring of verses and sonnets by love struck couples mark Valentine’s Day in Britain. Magazines and tabloids go into an overdrive as subscribers flood their mailboxes with penned verses for their sweethearts. This traditional custom has its origins in the fact that the largest chunk of romantic verses for Valentine’s Day has been written by British poets.

Another enduring custom has been for children to go down the streets, from house to house, singing special songs pertaining to Valentine’s Day. Their efforts are usually rewarded with candy, flowers and cash. Special Valentine’s Day buns topped with caraway seeds, raisins and plums are baked in many regions on this day.