U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for Feb. 14

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14: VALENTINE'S DAY

Profile America — Sunday, February 14th.  This is Valentine's Day — and while an unofficial holiday, it's one of the most observed occasions of the year.  Its origins are a mix of legends involving two Christian martyrs, a Roman fertility rite, and the notion that this is the time of year when birds choose their mates.  What is sure is that Esther Howland of Massachusetts, began selling the first mass-produced valentines in the 1840s.  Now, Valentine's Day is one of the biggest occasions in the country's greeting card shops.  It's also a busy time for the nation's jewelers, florists and candy stores.  There are nearly 3,650 candy stores across the U.S.  Americans consume an average of just under 24 pounds of candy a year.  Profile America is in its 13th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2010, p. 133

              U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB10-FF.02

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look under the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau