Chocolate is one of the most popular gifts on Valentine's Day. This delicious dessert is used for couples to declare their love for each other on Valentine's Day, whether in the form of chocolates, more elaborate desserts or even with fruits covered in cocoa. In short, giving chocolate for Valentine's Day is a consolidated tradition.
But where does this custom come from? The truth is that there are many different versions that explain why chocolate is given as a gift on Valentine's Day. From its ancient uses to its supposed aphrodisiac power, we review some stories that justify why chocolate has become an allegory of love.
Chocolate has been positioned as a symbol of love and seduction for centuries. In the Mayan culture it was considered a sacred food sent by the gods. For this reason, at weddings the bride and groom shared a chocolate gourd, which symbolized the union of their blood and lineages.
When chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, in addition to its exquisite flavor, it became popular because it was attributed with energetic and aphrodisiac properties. Thus, in the Victorian era it was used as an ally in the game of seduction. Consequently, it gradually became established as a representation of love, so that lovers gave each other chocolate to show their affection.
Of course, advertising also had part of the responsibility in the elevation of chocolate as a Valentine's gift. In the 19th century, the chocolate company Cadbury launched boxes of decorated chocolates that were very well received as gifts. Therefore, they decided to create a special Valentine's edition with a heart-shaped box. The idea was that, after eating the chocolates it contained, it would be used to store the letters from lovers. And so, with the confluence of several factors, the act of giving chocolate became a gesture of romantic love that endures to this day.
There is a popular belief that chocolate is an aphrodisiac food with the ability to increase sexual desire. But this is not entirely true, since there is not enough scientific evidence to support the classification of chocolate as an aphrodisiac.
What this food does have are some components that give us energy and improve our mood, which is why they are considered stimulants. To begin with, it is well known that sugar provides energy to the body.
In addition, chocolate contains theobromine, an enzyme that helps increase pleasure, as it improves blood circulation and stimulates the central nervous system. It also includes phenylethylamine, a substance that activates the secretion of dopamine and oxytocin: the former is a neurotransmitter associated with happiness and the latter is considered the hormone of love.
