A Love Story as Old as Time: The History of Chocolate & Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day and chocolate are the perfect pair—but have you ever wondered why? The connection between love and chocolate isn’t just a modern marketing trick. It’s a tradition that dates back thousands of years and spans multiple cultures, from the ancient Maya and Aztecs to the grand romantic gestures of the Victorian era.
Chocolate: The Ancient Love Potion
The origins of chocolate as a symbol of love and passion begin with the Maya and Aztecs, who revered cacao as a sacred gift from the gods. The Maya enjoyed cacao in spiced, frothy drinks, often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations—including weddings. Sharing a cacao drink was a traditional part of Maya marriage rituals, symbolizing unity and strength.
The Aztecs took cacao appreciation even further, believing it had powerful energy-boosting and aphrodisiac qualities. The famous Aztec emperor Montezuma II reportedly drank gallons of cacao daily, believing it enhanced his stamina and vitality. Cacao beans were so valuable that they were used as currency, making chocolate not only a luxury item but also a meaningful gift—one that carried both love and wealth.
Chocolate Arrives in Europe: The Love Connection Grows
When Spanish explorers brought cacao to Europe in the 1500s, it was initially reserved for the elite and royalty. The Spanish sweetened it with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, transforming it into the rich, decadent treat we recognize today. By the 17th century, chocolate had become a symbol of courtship and romance, often gifted by suitors to impress their beloved.
In France and Italy, where romance was an art form, chocolate became a staple in love potions and seduction rituals. The famous Italian lover Casanova was said to be a devoted chocolate drinker, believing it heightened passion and attraction. Science now backs this up—cacao contains theobromine, phenylethylamine (PEA), and serotonin-boosting compounds, which can naturally enhance mood, increase pleasure, and mimic the feeling of being in love.
The Victorians: When Chocolate and Valentine’s Became One
The tradition of giving chocolate on Valentine’s Day as we know it today began in the 1800s, thanks to the Victorians. This era was known for elaborate courtship rituals, where lovers exchanged intricate, handcrafted valentines adorned with lace and poetry. But in the 1860s, English chocolatier Richard Cadbury introduced the first-ever heart-shaped chocolate gifting box, forever linking chocolate with Valentine’s Day.
Victorians also believed in the love-enhancing properties of chocolate, making it a natural choice for romantic gestures. The trend quickly spread, and by the early 1900s, chocolate had become an essential Valentine’s Day gift.
Keeping the Tradition Alive with Viva Cacao
At Viva Cacao, we honour this long and romantic history by crafting ethically sourced, high-quality chocolate that’s made with intention—because real love deserves real chocolate. From the ancient Maya to the Victorian romantics, chocolate has always been more than just a treat—it’s a symbol of love, passion, and connection.