Valentine's Day - A Magical History
February 14th is a magical day and has come to be celebrated in all corners of the world. Different roots are attributed to the beginning of the year’s most romantic day. It is safe to say, that the evolution of the modern day Valentine’s Day can be traced to Saint Valentine who was jailed by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the 3rd century A.D. the day’s patron saint.
Apparently Saint Valentine became enamored with his jailor’s daughter. He began to send her cards of affection. On February 14th, he sent a card and signed it “Your Valentine.” Many people believe that the note sparked the momentum for the modern day Valentine.
Another theory is that children passed notes to Saint Valentine while he was imprisoned. The idea of passing notes of admiration grew and was later associated with Valentine’s Day.
In either case, the day remained a Christian day of feast until the 14th century when Geoffrey Chaucer incorporated Valentine’s Day with a romantic theme. The previously somber day took on a new meaning and now is the second biggest day behind Christmas for greeting cards. Chaucer’s innovations had enlivened the day.
By the 18th century, the concept of exchanging gifts and romantic cards had become popular throughout England. Soon, traditional symbols of love and affection like lace, hearts, doves, red roses and Cupids began to be used as gifts and included on cards. Young and mature lovers took to the Valentine’s celebration on February 14th.
In 1791, a British publisher printed the first Valentine’s journal, entitled The Young Man’s Valentine Writer. The book was a compilation of hundreds of ready-made romantic and sentimental verses. The book was a big seller as readers sought new and creative expressions of love. The Valentine card business flourished in England through the 19th century.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., Esther Howard from Worcester, Massachusetts, developed the idea of mass production of Valentine’s cards. Howland, her brother and three friends began a business shipping beautiful hand-made Valentine’s cards across the country.
The first mass-produced cards featured satin or lace-embroidered finish with a romantic message inscribed. Howland’s cards were a huge success. Even through the Great Depression, the Valentine’s Card remained a staple of the holiday. Over time people have become creative with Valentine’s celebrations but the Valentine’s Day card is a true testimony to affection and love.