We see this every year. The back-to-school decorations are taken down and replaced by beautiful pink, red and white Valentine’s decorations. And with these, an abundance of chocolate appears. All kinds – big and small, filled and plain, in funny shapes and covered in foil, boxes, mugs and tins filled with decadence, and some chocolates even accompany stuffed toys. It’s a delicious spectacular.
But, have you ever wondered why? Why chocolate plays such a big part in Valentine’s Day? One argument, which we at Beyers Chocolates agree with to the fullest, is that chocolate is absolutely enjoyable. However, as it turns out, there are several reasons for this phenomenon.
The history of chocolate
In the Ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures cocoa beans were used as a currency and to trade with, and the surrounding white pulp was used to create a chocolate drink. When Christopher Columbus tasted this drink in the 1400s, he insisted on taking it back to Queen Isabella of Spain.
Everyone was smitten with the drink, and it spread all over Europe. In fact, in 1770, when Marie Antoinette married Louis XVI, she brought her personal chocolatier to Versailles. He specialised in creating different chocolate drinks to soothe all kinds of ailments.
It was only in the 1800s that the everyday Jane and Joe could freely indulge in chocolate when John Cadbury opened his Bull Street shop. They improved the art of extracting cacao from the beans and were left with cocoa butter. The youngest son, Richard, created ‘eating chocolates’ which were sold in a box he designed. In 1861, he also created the first ever heart-shaped chocolate box with the intention that they’ll be given to sweethearts everywhere.
The symbolism of chocolate
Chocolate goes hand-in-hand with luxury. In many ancient cultures cocoa beans were worth more than gold, and the Aztecs loved the taste so much they called it “food of the gods”.
It doesn’t matter the size or shape; chocolate is a delicious velvety, creamy and sweet treat. From the first bite, it melts in your mouth and spread joy (even just a tiny bit) through your whole body. It comes in an array of shapes and sizes to include all people and cater for all tastes.
The health benefits of chocolate
Plenty of studies have found that chocolate is good for you. (About 40 grams of dark chocolate 3 to 4 times per week.) Regular indulgence can improve your memory and reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. And because it’s packed full of the feel-good endorphin, phenylethylamine, eating it can feel even better than kissing someone. This all proves that chocolate is good for your body and soul.
So, when you want to tell someone you love and adore them, say it with a sweet and indulgent chocolate. This year, say love with Beyers. Beyers Chocolate products are available online at beyerschocolates.com or at any major retailers nationwide.
