What's Love?

What's love? Hopatcong Patch doesn't know. That's why we're in journalism. But we heard somebody might have the answer. Read more about it in our Valentine's Day-themed 5 Thing You Need to Know Today.

• You Need to Know What Love Is: Rutgers University anthropologist Helen Fisher has written several books on love. In Why We Love: The Nature and Chemistry of Romantic Love, Fisher said love can be broken down into three brain systems: Romance, sex drive and attachment.
• You Need to Know a Little Valentine's Day History: Believe or not, Valentine’s Day does have a historical background. For those of you who see the day through Hallmark-tinted glasses, did you know the day was named after Christian martyr St. Valentine? Pope Gelasius I created the Feast of St.Valentine in 496, but it was later nixed from the Church’s calendar. Not to worry, we’re still celebrating, and if you want to get to know St. Valentine himself, head to Rome — his skull is on display at Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. See, we told you Valentine’s Day wasn’t only about candy. 
• You Need to Know Something Sweet: Speaking of candy, here’s a fun Valentine’s Day fact. Sweethearts were invented in a city a stone’s throw away from our Valentine’s Day Patch partner. NECCO (The New England Confectionary Company), which produces Sweethearts, is located in Revere, just 10 miles Southwest of Salem, the Witch City. With the capitals of so close together, it’s always a holiday in Massachusetts.

• You Need to Know About Heart-Shaped Pizza:  will be serving heart-shaped pies all day.
• You Need to know About Heart- Shaped Donuts:  has been selling heart-shaped doughnuts for at least a week. One employee said they've hardly been able to keep them on the shelves. Go get some!

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