Why Does Valentine's Day Have To Be Celebrated With Chocolate? Apparently, This Is The Reason

Illustration of a box of chocolates (Unsplash / FreeModels Agency)

JAKARTA - There is always something missing if you celebrate Valentine's Day without chocolates and flowers. Chocolate with a sweet and slightly bitter taste and flowers that bloomed and fresh turned out to have a strong background so that it was synonymous with Valentine's Day since hundreds of years ago.

Many pieces of literature use a symbolic approach in explaining the relationship between Valentine's Day and chocolate. However, what makes the most sense is why the narratives about the taste of chocolate can be accepted by people almost all over the world.

Cited from MentalFloss, Sunday, February 14, the Mayans were the first to connect love and chocolate. Since about 500 BC, they made a drink made from cocoa beans before the first celebration of St. Valentine.

The steeping chocolate is part of the Mayan wedding ritual. A bride and groom exchange drinks in one session at a wedding. This was the beginning where chocolate was a symbol for the universal expression of love.

Because cocoa beans contain tryptophan and phenylethylamine, which are associated with increased feelings of love and desire, the Aztecs had a different view from the Mayans. According to legend, Emperor Montezuma II ate large quantities of cocoa beans and sparked an affair.

Although scientists say different things, namely in chocolate there is no strong substance that is aphrodisiac. However, the effect of chocolate which was reported by the Aztecs made it a lot to be marketed.

The first major manufacturers made their debut by producing a box of heart-shaped chocolates in 1861. Cadbury rose to fame and packaged the production of 'love' chocolates with cupid decorations and roses to attract shopping customers on Valentine's Day.

Cited from CNN on Sunday, February 14, according to Charles Feldman, professor of food and food systems studies at Montclair State University, New Jersey, said that chocolate is linked to masculinity and virility.

Because those who have access to chocolate are the ruling class to assert their dominance. This 'bitter' period was brought by European explorers to Spain, France, and England from Mesoamerica in the 1600's. This drink made from cocoa beans is mixed with chilies and spices.

The Industrial Revolution turned bitter in terms of taste to be exclusive and associated with the traditions of the rich. At this time, says Megan Giller - Chocolate Noise founder and author, sugar and chocolate are luxurious onions.

"The taste of chocolate changes preferences, from being bitter and masculine to sweet and feminine", says Feldman.

Couples welcomed chocolate to celebrate their feelings. Whether it's a gift of a box of Cabdury chocolates to a Secret Lace Heart complete with black lace underwear.

Because chocolate is only one of the thousands of ways to express feelings, the essence is how strong the feelings of love for you and your partner are to take care of each other.