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The growth of Valentine’s Day’s commercialization is clearly demonstrated in the increased sending of Valentines as tracked by the British Post Office. Its records indicate that up to 60,000 Valentines were sent in England in 1836. After the introduction of the Uniform Penny Post, 400,000 Valentines were posted throughout England in 1841. However, in 1865, perhaps with bitter memories of the war starting to fade, New Yorkers mailed more than 66,000 Valentines, and more than 86,000 the following year. Valentine’s Day was truly becoming big business. According to the New York times, some New Yorkers paid exorbitant prices for Valentines: 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 February 14, 2024, by Chloe. Victorian Valentines The link between St. Valentine’s Day and romance has existed at least since the later medieval period – but it was not until the latter half of the nineteenth century that one of its most iconic features emerged in its modern form: the Valentine’s Day card. 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 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 An early example is a valentine from 1477, housed at the British Library. In it, Margery Brews writes to her fiancé, John Paston, “Unto my right well-beloved Valentine John Paston, squire, be this bill delivered.” On this side of the Atlantic, interest in Valentine’s Day became apparent by the 1860s. The greeting that was written in 1415 is part of the manuscript collection at the British Library in London. The Oldest known Valentines message in the English Language is also at the British Library, written in Norfolk more than 500 years ago, the love letter dates to 1477 and was from Margery Brews to her fiance John Paston. The enterprising Monsieur Rimmel diversified into the booming Valentine’s card market (scenting all his cards with perfume, of course) and collaborated with artists such as Jules Chéret to produce some of the prettiest and most sophisticated cards of the time, such as this forget-me-not card, part of the ‘Language of Flowers’ collection. 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 Valentine’s Day Greetings and Gifts. In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine Like many stories from the past, this poem comes with misconceptions. Most online search results for “oldest valentine” claim that this poem was written by the Duke to his wife on February 14 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. As romantic as this would be, the British Library, which holds many of the Duke’s poetry collections, set the record straight in 2021 revealing that Make your own vintage, Victorian-style valentine cards and tokens inspired by Library collections. Each Family Day includes a creative activity, connections to Library of Congress collections, a chance to talk to staff experts, and a guide to using Library resources at home. Like many stories from the past, this poem comes with misconceptions. Most online search results for “oldest valentine” claim that this poem was written by the Duke to his wife on February 14 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. As romantic as this would be, the British Library, which holds many of the Duke’s poetry collections, set the record straight in 2021 revealing that The first valentine written in English is also held by the British Library. It’s a letter written by Margery Brews to her fiance in February 1477. It begins, “Unto my right well-beloved Valentine John Paston, squire, be this bill delivered.” You can read the transcript here. Oldest English valentine (held by the British Library) The first A wonderful collection of happy Valentine's day images from vintage Valentine's cards and postcards. The British Library. Read it. Victorian Valentines 19th Century Valentine's Day trolls; with Punch and Judy shows and music hall performances reflecting the spirit of the Victorian age alongside an exciting, new Britain. 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. During the Victorian era, Valentine's Day wasn't just a time for expressing love. It was also a day when you could anonymously insult your enemies. In 19th century Britain and the U.S., that meant sending them ridiculously mean Valentine's Day cards, now known as vinegar valentines. 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.
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