Examining The History Behind ValentineΓÇÖs Day Cards - By: Chris Harmen

Shrouded in mystery, the February 14th holiday is attributed to one of three Saint Valentine's, as ordained by Pope Gelasius in 500 A.D. Of course, back in the sixth century, many people did not know how to write, let alone have access to paper or postal services! The exchange of Valentines came much later. This February holiday is also attributed to the fertility festivals of even more ancient times. The history of the day itself notwithstanding, the tradition of exchanging correspondence on Valentine's Day started with the popularity of courtly love during the High Middle Ages of Chaucer's day.

The Art Of Courtly Love

Courtly love was exactly that - a process of courtship held within the bounds and affiliations of the royal court. Social station, national loyalties, and political maneuverings played major roles in legal marriages up until the late 1800s. That process began changing during the High Middle Ages when love for love's sake gained in popularity and social acceptance.

Geoffrey Chaucer, and others like him, used words as seduction, affection, and romance, as well as historical documentation and allegory. The first recognized Valentine's Day letter, written by Chaucer in 1382, equates lovers with birds, coming together to choose their mates. There are other traditions, histories, and opinions regarding the day's origin, but most experts agree that the tradition of sending modern Valentine's Day photo cards and other correspondence to loved ones on February 14th each year is attributed mostly to Esther A. Howland, the Mother of the Valentine.

Entrepreneur And Artist

Esther Howland, born in 1828, was given an ornate Valentine's Day card by a business associate of her father's when she was 19 years old. That card made such a profound impression upon her that she was inspired to create a wide variety of holiday cards from paper doilies, lace, ribbons, scrap pictures, and other decorations. Immensely popular, Howland's creations eventually required a staff to keep up with demand until she sold the business in 1881.

Victorian And Edwardian Eras

The Victorian and Edwardian eras, complete with all of their lace, gold leaf, grandeur, and pomp, were fertile ground for this emerging industry. Fat cherubs, arrow-pierced hearts, gold scrolls, lacy edges, and images of birds graced hundreds of these artful works of correspondence that were no longer solely the reign of the wealthy. As costs continued to decline, more and more middle-class individuals were able to participate in these exchanges.

Printing Presses And Affordable Postage

Only a few generations earlier, most people never had cause to send or receive letters. Printing presses made more reading material available, which led to increases in literacy. The reduced cost of postage allowed more people to send and receive letters, holiday cards, and other forms of correspondence. The net result has been huge increases in the number of greeting cards exchanged each year. Color lithography technology of the 1930s was all the industry needed to reach every level of society.

Modern Holiday Cards

Once more, modern technologies have increased the options and availability of these holiday cards. From handmade luxury to mass-produced slips of paper with glue-less envelopes, today's holiday cards have reached new heights that combine affordable quality with high tech customization abilities, featuring family photographs, personalized messages, and color schemes to match, all at the push of a button.

Today's Valentine's Day photo cards run the gamut, from light hearted and playful to formal proposals of marriage. Never have so many options been available. As a result of the convenience of creating and customizing today's Valentine's Day photo cards, an estimated one billion are sent each year, second only to Christmas.

Celebrated in many countries around the world, February 14th serves as an opportunity to tell family and friends that they are loved. The traditional colors of red, white, and gold continue to be used, but the messages can be passionate, playful, or just friendly. Truth be told, children are not the only ones who enjoy receiving a Valentine's Day photo card from a loved one. In today's culture of busy schedules and long distance relationships, these reminders that we are thought of and cared about become more important than ever.

What began, historically, as a religious acknowledgement of martyrdom and sacrifice has evolved into a modern expression of personal creativity, love, and affection, covering everything from friendship to matrimony. Today's Valentine's Day photo cards now grace mailboxes, luncheon tables, offices, and even classroom desks. Everybody needs some love!

About the Author

Chris Harmen enjoys creating custom Valentine's Day photo cards each year. Holiday cards that contain family photos, custom messages, and other special touches are sure to make everyone feel loved.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Chris-Harmen/89665

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