The Origin Of Giving Valentine s Day Cards
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The Origin of Valentine's Day Cards
Summary
Valentine's Day cards have a rich history dating back to Roman times when young men would court women with handwritten notes on February 14. As Christianity spread, the tradition evolved, and Valentine's cards became symbolic of affection across the world.
Article
In ancient Rome, mid-February was a popular time for young people to meet and court prospective partners. To express their admiration, young men would offer handwritten greetings of affection to women they wished to court on February 14. Over time, these notes became associated with St. Valentine and gained his name.
With the spread of Christianity, the tradition of Valentine's Day cards grew. The oldest known card was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. This historic card is now preserved in the British Museum.
In the 16th century, St. Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, attempted to replace the card-giving tradition with a lottery of saints' names, hoping to inspire Christians to emulate saintly models. However, this attempt was short-lived, and the custom of exchanging cards flourished, becoming more decorative over time.
Cupid, the cherubic figure armed with love-infused arrows, also became a popular image for Valentine's Day. In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son of Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, making him a fitting symbol for the holiday.
By the 17th century, handmade cards had become large and elaborate, while store-bought versions were smaller and costly. In 1797, a British publisher released "The Young Man's Valentine Writer," offering young lovers a collection of sentimental verses.
The advent of printing technology allowed for the production of "mechanical valentines," which featured verses and illustrations. A reduction in postal rates in the 19th century made it easier for people to mail valentines, even anonymously. This anonymity led to the rise of more daring verses, which clashed with the prudish Victorian sensibilities.
The growing number of explicit valentines led some countries to ban their exchange. In late 19th-century Chicago, for instance, the post office rejected around 25,000 cards deemed inappropriate for the U.S. mail.
Esther Howland, a pioneering American printer and artist, began producing elaborate lace cards in the 1870s. Her creations ranged in price from five to ten dollars, with some fetching as much as thirty-five dollars. Since then, the valentine card industry has thrived, with Valentine's Day becoming the second most popular holiday for card exchange, surpassed only by Christmas. The tradition evokes fond memories of red construction paper and sweet candy hearts saying "Be Mine!"
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