chocolate jesus.

I have a confession to make. I thought Valentine's Day was something made up by marketers. But it actually originates from the very same concept that serves as the main source for all marketing and also what we actively or passively form our lives around. That's right, the correct answer is: religion. This annual commemoration (Wikipedia's word - AS IF that would ever be in my vocabulary) dates all the way back to 496 AD. (That's a long time ago.)

Valentine's Day is an exceptionally good occasion for marketing. Why? Please. Easy one. People want to be/feel loved more than anything. On this particular day, you take the opportunity to show someone you love him or her by buying them material things. The person subject for this action of affection then feels obligated to reciprocate such (staged) kindness (in whatever way they see fit....) which ultimately results in: you get what you want: again, to feel loved. Also, people that walk around saying they hate Valentine's Day secretly want to be loved the most. (Except for myself. I always am, and always will be the exception. Hrm. This doesn't mean that I will turn down chocolate. Just saying.)

So x years ago (too early in the morning for maths!) the initial concept of Valentine's Day was born. Then 21st century marketing and ancient Valentine's Day came together and made a baby.... (hmm a little bit pedo.. which actually given the topic is very fitting! ..and equally inappropriate):

Chocolate Jesus.

That baby turned out to be a wonderchild making profits soar in economies worldwide. In Great Britain Valentine’s Day will generate £334 million in sales according to Brand Republic. So this waste-of-money-day turns out to be boosting us toward better times financially. So I'm now encouraging you, no - actually - commanding you to go out and "waste" some money!

And while you're out there take a moment and say thank you to the lord - Chocolate Jesus.