What really is the meaning behind Valentine's day?

Valentine's day might just be a big corporate scheme, but it doesn't have to be.

It's more than that.

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It's no surprise that card and flower companies exploit Valentine's day for all it's worth, but the day itself happens to have a rich history. Scroll to the end to see the bizarre bouquets people have been getting for their loved ones.

Who is St. Valentine?

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It all started in the third century... With a guy called Claudius the second; he banned his people from getting married because he believed it made his soldiers weeker.

Someone needs a hug.

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One of Claudius' Roman priests - St. Valentine - felt this was out of order, and began marrying the soldiers behind his back.

He did him dirty.

When Claudius found out about St. Valentine's betrayal, he was sentenced to jail. Funnily enough, this is where he met the love of his life. Ironic, right?

This was obviously forbidden.

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The love of his life turned out to be the jailer's daughter, which was obviously forbidden.

Things escalated.

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St. Valentine was sentenced to death. It's what he did before his execution that created the tradition of Valentine's day.

He sent a love letter.

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Signed "your Valentine," just before being executed on February the 14th.

It went on to signify the beginning of spring.

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Nowadays, it's a way for people to express their love and gratitude for the special people in their lives. And a way for big companies to turn the holiday into a big money-making event.

It's crazy how much people spend.

According to the National Retail Federation, people are expected to spend an average of $161 on Valentine's day.

It doesn't just have to be a box of chocolates or a teddy bear.

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Valentine's day has seen many people around the world celebrate the day in wacky and wonderful ways, to show the people they love that they care. Here are just 15 of the best.

Traveling with your partner.

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People have started traveling to different places around the world to share their love of cultures with one another. I have to admit, I'd much rather spend my money on an adventure rather than book a meal in an overcrowded restaurant.

Cupid costume.

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This might not be something you want your partner to do for you, or even wear in the same room as you, but this trend of dressing up as Cupid has become quite popular at Valentine's day parties. If you're not really the romantic type, this could be just the thing you need.

"Quirkyalone Day."

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This is basically a singles awareness day. It has created a space for people who are focusing on loving themselves or people who haven't found the one yet. It's a great idea to create a reason to give yourself the care and love you deserve. Just remember, self-care shouldn't just be for one day. And don't ever worry about being alone on Valentine's day, everyone is at different points in their lives! Treat yourself to a bit of Valentine's day love.

Group date.

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People have started to celebrate Valentine's day in groups with their close friends. There's no rule that you have to spend the day with just your significant other. After all, Valentine's day is all about showing gratitude to all the people you love in your life.

Free hugs.

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Some people are taking to the streets to offer hugs to complete strangers. Because, why not?

Buying gifts for themselves.

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We don't usually need an excuse to buy myself something, but if St. Valentine wants to give me another reason to buy myself a new handbag, then we're not complaining. Go ahead and splurge on yourself!

Change the date.

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Changing the date of Valentine's day is a pretty good idea because it allows people to celebrate with their loved ones without being stuck in an overcrowded restaurant. This also lets couples find a day that best suits them.

All girls slumber party.

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It's time to crack open the boxed wine and scour Netflix for the best chick flicks to watch with your besties. This is a cheap and fun-filled alternative to the more traditional V-Day celebrations.

Meaningful gifts.

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Some people think the best way to show you care on Valentine's day is to buy the most expensive gift. But we guarantee if you put the effort into getting something your partner actually wants, you're doing so much better. Even if you don't think its particularly romantic, it shows you've put thought into your gift.

Go for a drive.

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Going for a late-night drive can be romantic, and also gives you a chance to talk to each other without any disruptions. It can be difficult to find the time to spend alone together without life getting in the way, but simple things like going for a drive together can show the other you're making the effort to spend time with them.

Donate to charity.

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Why not share the love by donating what you'd usually spend on the day, to a charity of your choice and make a difference.

Don't hook up.

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Some people are embracing the single life, as tempting as it is to find a fellow singleton to spend the night with, it can be just as good to spend that time with yourself. It's just as (if not more) important to work on feeling the love for yourself. Why not spend Valentine's day with yourself and work on what you want to have achieved within the year? Then treat yourself to a nice meal and a cheeky glass of champagne?

Matching PJ's

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People might think it's a bit over the top, but they are a cute way to spend some cozy time with your partner. Why not bond over your matching onesies, which don't have to just be for Valentine's day.

Odd bouquet

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Roses are usually the most gifted things on Valentine's day, but people are taking the classic gift and putting their own spin on it. Keep scrolling to see what people are making.

That's one way to a girl's heart.

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There has been an uprising of people giving bouquets of chicken nuggets to their loved ones.

Well, it's original.

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Nearly all of the Instagram pictures show nuggets on sticks, some accompanied by fries, and some with chocolates included in the bouquet too.

It's a nice gender-neutral gift.

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Who's to say guys can't enjoy a bouquet of roses, or a nice box of chocolates. However, if your guy loves his meat, Manly Man Company offers half-pound rose and daisy bouquets made of beef jerky.

Another crazy bouquet?

via: Olive Garden

Well, that comes from none other than Olive Garden. In fact, this breadstick bouquet is a part of a wider Olive Garden's Valentine's Day ToGo dinner for two.

The three-course dinner starts at $34.99.

And as a bonus, it's all to-go - meaning you don't need to try to book a table in advance. But it's undoubtedly the breadstick bouquet that's the star of the show!

But what if your boo is more of a meat lover?

Well, never fear - there's a bouquet option for you, too.

Because everyone knows the best meat out there ...

It's gotta be ribs, right?

So, what if we told you you could enjoy ribs in bouquet form?

You probably wouldn't believe us, right?

Well, believe it!

via: Boston Market

For just $29.99 from Boston Market, this beautiful bunch could be yours.

Anyone else's mouth watering?

And if you fancy some more weird Valentine's trends, scroll on for the romantic take on the Christmas tree ...