The sending of Valentine Cards in the US didn’t pick up pace until after the Civil War. On February 4, 1867, the New York Times wrote that in 1862 post offices in New York City had accepted 21,260 Valentines for delivery. 1863 showed a slight increase, but the number fell to 15,924 the year after. Robert McNamara, and expert in 19th century history relates that St. Valentine’s Day celebrations date back to at least the Middle ages when the day was observed as Choose Your Romantic Partner Day “because it was believed that birds began mating on that day.” (McNamara “History of St. Valentine’s Day in the 1800s”) He continues by Old Valentines, by Constance Cary Harrison (Century, 1883A) A look back at some of the older (pre-Valentine's Day card) traditions of the season. St. Valentine's Day, by Dora de Blaquière (Girl's Own Paper, 1880) When this article was written, Valentines were still popular in Victorian Britain, but seemed to be tapering off. Valentines, by St. Valentine's Day Became a Popular Holiday in America . By the mid-1850s the sending of manufactured Valentine’s Day cards was popular enough that the New York Times published an editorial on February 14, 1856 sharply criticizing the practice: To celebrate the holiday 19th century style, I’ve collected a few Valentine’s Day news items from Regency England, Victorian England, and even 1890s Texas. Some remind me a bit of modern day “lost connections” or “lonely hearts” adverts (hence the title of this post), others are simply humorous historical Valentine’s Day messages The modern-day evolution of the Ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, Valentine's Day, has been celebrated with different traditions across the globe for millennia. While Valentine’s Day had gained in popularity in the UK throughout the 17th century, no culture celebrated the day with more enthusiasm and excitement than the Victorians. Late Victorian Era Valentine’s Day “During the late nineteenth century, the occasion of St. Valentine’s Day was a chance for novelty in entertaining. Valentine’s Day party ideas such as luncheons, teas, socials and fancy dress functions of all sorts were easily and artistically arranged with flowers, hearts, darts and cupids. By 1871, three times that number passed through the General Post Office in London alone (Mancoff 46). The exchange of Valentine’s Day cards long predates Victorian times: legend has it that the Duc D’Orléans started the tradition in 1415 by mailing his fiancée a missive when imprisoned in the Tower of London. Thus, valentines were usually sent anonymously. Both to protect the giver and the receiver. Valentine’s Day reached its height of celebration in the Victorian Era. Valentine cards were more cherished that Christmas cards (which weren’t printed commercially until 1846), perhaps because of the sentimentality attached to them. Chocolates too, thank goodness, also became a huge Valentine’s Day tradition during the Victorian period. Richard Cadbury (1833-1899), the heir of the chocolate empire, is credited with creating the first heart-shaped box for Valentine’s chocolates. In the Victorian era, and into the 20th century, lovers exchanged elaborate lace-trimmed cards on Valentine’s Day, expressing their undying love and devotion with sentiments and poems.For those Valentine’s Day was observed in the 19th century by the Victorians with a combination of traditional customs and emerging commercial practices. Many Valentine’s Day cards during this time were handmade, intricately crafted with lace, ribbons, and embossed designs. These cards were often exchanged between lovers, family members, and friends. In the Victorian Era, Valentine’s Day Was a Celebration of Same-Sex Romance. Such "smashes" were encouraged when women were considered "passionless." Anya Jabour February 14, 2023 Valentine’s Day is a holiday celebrated every February 14; this year Valentine's Day falls on a Friday. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts The Victorian Era. Valentine's Day reached its height of celebration in the Victorian Era. Valentine cards were more cherished that Christmas cards (which weren't printed commercially until 1846), perhaps because of the sentimentality attached to them. From the classroom to the dinner party, a dose of Valentine's Day trivia pairs well with your favorite chocolate. Stump your friends, family, and love interest with sweet Valentine's fun facts. The practice of gifting flowers—especially roses—on Valentine's Day started in the Victorian era, when flowers were used to communicate hidden meanings. Today, roses are still the top choice, symbolizing love and romance. Traditionally, spring begins on St Valentine’s Day (February 14th), the day on which birds chose their mates. In parts of Sussex Valentines Day was called ‘the Birds’ Wedding Day’. There are many other traditions and superstitions associated with romance activities on Valentine’s day including: Home > Victorian Valentines. Victorian Valentines. Published in the illustrated newspaper Harper’s Weekly on February 22, 1868, Winslow Homer’s “St. Valentine’s Day - The Old Story in All Lands” equates the modern practice of sending and receiving valentines with the myth of eternal love. The illustration is a compilation of lovers Valentine's Day, a celebration of love and affection, has seen its customs and traditions evolve remarkably over the centuries. One of the most enchanting eras of Valentine's Day history in the United States is undoubtedly the Victorian period, a time when the practice of exchanging Valentine's Day cards flourished with a unique blend of elegance, creativity, and sometimes, delightful
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