With February 14 just around the corner, and people already stocking up on their chocolates, do you ever wonder when and how the tradition of giving chocolates on Valentine’s Day started?

We give chocolates as gifts to our partners, friends, and family. We send chocolates to our loved ones when they are sad or happy. Even during holidays and parties, chocolates are always an option for gifts. Especially during Valentine’s Day, where different kinds of chocolates all around the world are elegantly wrapped in special packages, ready for the celebration.

Ever wonder how this tradition started?

History of Chocolate Giving

Chocolate originates from cacao tree seeds which is native to the tropical rainforests of Central America. It was then discovered by the European, and the rest is history. Cacao is a tropical tree whose scientific name, Theobroma cacao, translates to “food of the gods” in Greek. It originated in the upper Amazon basin region (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru).

Cacao pods grow from the trunk of the Theobroma cacao tree. The seeds will then be processed into chocolate liquor and cocoa powder. The earliest known documentation of cacao seeds is way back 1100 BC. And in the Mayan times, cacao beans were even used as barter currency!

According to studies, cacao beans were even valued more than gold in the past. Which is also why only the wealthy can access them. Fermented beans are also used to create drinks that were used in rituals and ceremonies.

Also, according to an ancient text Historia verdadera de la conquista de la Nueva España (‘The True History of the Conquering of New Spain’), chocolate was used as an aphrodisiac by Aztec Emperor Moctezuma. In the olden days of Europe, there is a tradition in the royalty to give chocolates mixed with amber to their lovers to stimulate love.

Did you know that cacao also contains psychoactive ingredients which helps reduce symptoms of depression? And every time you eat chocolate, it gives you natural substances similar to what you also get when you fall in love. Which is why it is often associated with the love month, it’s a powerful mood enhancer.

Eating chocolate can also boost your mental health and overall morale. It even enhances your mood and induces feelings of pleasure simply because it tastes so good! No wonder we crave for chocolates whenever we are feeling blue.

Fast forward to 1868, Cadbury produced heart-shaped packaging for chocolate that masses can afford. Due to this, the connection between chocolate and romance started and the chocolate gift giving on Valentine’s Day was born.

Overall

The love month is definitely here. And I can’t wait to munch on some sweet treats without anyone judging me! How about you? Are you planning on giving chocolate as a gift this Valentine’s Day?

At the end of it all, eating chocolate has both health benefits and risks. And as long as it gives you happiness, and taken in moderation, chocolate can be a great partner in your health journey. Store your chocolate stash properly to be able to use them longer. Follow these simple tips.

I would love to hear about your celebration! Share them in the comments section below. Happy Valentine’s Day my fellow chocolate lovers and I hope you all have a day filled with sweetness and joy. 😊

• Author
• Recent Posts

Carissa Isip

Chocolate is Carissa's best friend. Whether she's sad or happy, chocolate is there for her. She believes in the saying "I'd give up chocolate, but I'm not a quitter."

Latest posts by Carissa Isip (see all)

• Chocolate and Thanksgiving: Sweet Ways to Celebrate - November 19, 2024
• The Perfect Chocolate Pairings for Fall and Winter Flavors - November 12, 2024
• Best Ways to Use Leftover Halloween Chocolate for Fall Baking - November 5, 2024