The history of chocolate as a Valentine's Day gift
Are you considering presenting chocolate as a Valentine's Day gift? Ever wondered about the backstory of Valentine's Day Chocolate? Let's delve into its history!
Chocolate: The Iconic Valentine's Day Gesture
When you hand over a bouquet of red roses and a box of Valentine's Day chocolate, it speaks volumes of your affection.
Valentine's Day has been synonymous with gift-giving since the late 1300s, when Geoffrey Chaucer intertwined the ancient festival with themes of romance and love in poetry.
But how did chocolate become intertwined with this celebration? Who initiated the tradition, and what's the connection between chocolate and romance?
Many customs undergo transformations over time, sometimes spanning centuries, often beginning in a vastly different form than how we recognise them today.
Join us on a journey as we explore the evolution of Valentine's Day chocolate across the ages.
The Mayans and Aztecs
Despite misconceptions, the ancient Mayans and Aztecs were remarkably sophisticated civilizations, with a profound appreciation for certain pleasures, including chocolate.
The Mayans relished a concoction of cacao paste mixed with cornmeal, chilies, and water, a blend that might not tantalize modern taste buds but was cherished by them.
It evolved into a ceremonial drink savoured during feasts and religious rituals, with the Mayans being the first to associate chocolate with expressions of love, incorporating it into wedding ceremonies.
Their neighbors, the Aztecs, also developed a taste for this bitter delight (sans sugar back then), trading with the Mayans to obtain it.
Legend has it that Aztec ruler Montezuma II consumed copious amounts to enhance his libido, although modern science hasn't firmly established a link between chocolate consumption and heightened sensual desire.
The Spanish Explorers
The introduction of chocolate to the "civilized" world occurred when Spanish explorers brought it back from Central America in the 16th century.
Instead of the Mayan blend, the Spaniards concocted their version by mixing cacao paste with cinnamon and cane sugar, bringing it closer to the delectable treat we know today.
However, obtaining chocolate was no small feat; it had to be transported by ship from Central America, while sugar was imported from India or Central America, rendering chocolate a luxury affordable only to the wealthy in Europe for several centuries.
The Victorian Age
Fast forward to the Victorian era, where sugar became more accessible, and chocolate more delicious and popular.
During this period, chocolate was primarily consumed as a beverage, yet it was undergoing refinement. Richard Cadbury, a prominent chocolatier, developed a process for creating a more palatable chocolate for drinking, resulting in the creation of "eating chocolate."
Capitalising on the Victorian penchant for exchanging gifts on Valentine's Day, Cadbury introduced heart-shaped boxes for his "eating chocolates" in 1861, adorned with symbols like cupids and rosebuds, which became immensely popular.
Arrival in America
In America, the tradition of giving Valentine's Day chocolates gained momentum towards the end of the 19th century.
In 1894, Milton Hershey, renowned for his caramels, began coating them with chocolate, laying the foundation for Hershey's iconic chocolate kisses, which debuted in 1907.
Meanwhile, Clara Stover's kitchen endeavors evolved into Russell Stover, America's leading boxed chocolate brand by 1923, introducing the affordable yet charming "Secret Lace Heart" box for Valentine's Day.
A Perfect Pairing: Roses and Valentine's Day Chocolate
Thus, the tradition of presenting Valentine's Day chocolate has deep roots, with millions worldwide participating annually.
Similarly, red roses have become emblematic of romance and love, intertwining seamlessly with Valentine's Day traditions.
So, this year, as you select red roses and chocolate for your beloved, you'll understand the rich history behind these cherished gestures.
And, if you seek a timeless gift to symbolise enduring love, perhaps consider a Red Glazed Eternity Rose. Explore it today!