If you look up the origins of Valentine’s Day, you will find some crazy historical “facts”! First, it’s possible that there was more than one man who can be referred to as “St. Valentine”. There is also the possibility of potential roots in a Pagan ritual that will just make you shake your head. At some point around the Middle Ages this “holiday” became associated with love and romance – based on a belief in France and England that birds started their mating season on February 14th. Really? A holiday revolving around love and romance that starts with mating birds? Trust me, it’s much better than that whole Pagan ritual thing!
Handwritten Expressions of Love
According to History.com, the oldest record of an actual written Valentine was a poem from a French Medieval Duke named Charles, sent to his wife in 1415 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, referring to her as his “gentle Valentine”.
It wasn’t until the 17th century that there was an exchange of handwritten letters between lovers and friends, and mass-produced Valentine’s cards appeared in the U.S. around the middle of the 1800’s. These were sold by a woman named Esther A. Howland, known as the “Mother of the American Valentine” who was known for her crafty lace and ribbon-covered cards. I like the fact that this industry could have been started by a woman for many reasons. First, of course, I feel a kinship, but I am also all about badass entrepreneurs doing their thang! It’s kind of cool to see this spirit taking flight in the 17th century.
Modern Day Valentine's Day
Today, Valentine’s Day has the potential to be a very expensive “holiday”. Billions of dollars are spent on candy alone! So much for simple lace covered handmade cards! It is known, however as the second biggest holiday for the exchange of greeting cards – second only to Christmas. Another fun fact – teachers receive the most Valentine cards each year – rightfully so!
Things have gotten a little crazy in the gift department also. Millions are spent on Valentine gifts for pets – I LOVE our pets, but I’m not sure they could really care less about a Valentine gift, but that’s just me, I guess.
Not surprisingly, women are the biggest winners in the gift department on Valentine’s Day, and the most popular gift is usually jewelry. Again, billions are spent on jewelry every year, and then add that to the dinners, clothing, and of course flowers. Candy is always a hit. Chocolate and of course those cute little Conversation Hearts – which were created by a Boston Pharmacist as another way to use the machine he invented to make medical lozenges – are among the most common treats.
Valentines For All
Since this is a holiday is literally dedicated to romance and love, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the millions of couples who get engaged on Valentine’s Day. How can couples resist the obvious connection? Just seems fitting.
Around the world, the emphasis is not only on lovers but tends to focus on friends as well. And kids everywhere may be the biggest winners of all! They not only celebrate with parties and cards at school, but parents often give them some sort of gifts and cards as well.
Be Sure To Send Your Valentine's Cards
So, whether you like your Valentines in red or pink, machine printed or hand-crafted, I think we can all agree that we certainly do enjoy receiving these little messages of love! Be sure to remember those you love and care about this Valentine’s Day. If you are looking for some lovely cards to send, you might want to check THESE out.