The History of Valentine’s Day
You might think of Valentine’s Day as a modern holiday meant for sugary impulses, however, this heart-shaped holiday has an ancient and fascinating story, or rather, mystery to it.
As it turns out, nobody really knows the true history of this holiday, even historians find themselves arguing over its exact traditions.
The day is named, of course, for St. Valentine. According to The New York Times, the day is based on a combination of two men. There were two Valentines executed on February 14th (albeit in different years) by Emperor Claudius II. It’s believed that the Catholic Church may have established St. Valentine’s Day to honour these men, who they believed to be martyrs. It’s also possible one of these men, Saint Valentine of Terni, secretly officiated weddings for Roman soldiers against the emperor’s wishes, making him, in the eyes of some, a proponent of love.
Another story involves St. Valentine writing the first “valentine” greeting to a young girl he tutored and fell in love with while he was imprisoned for the crimes outlined above. According to The History Channel, before his death, he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” which remains a commonly used phrase to this day.
Chaucer and Shakespeare can be credited for popularizing the feelings associated with the day. Soon, people began penning and exchanging love letters to celebrate, and by the early 1910s, an American company that would later become Hallmark began distributing its more official “Valentine’s Day cards.”
Take a look at this Valentine’s Day card from the Archives of the Humboldt and District Museum and Gallery Photograph Collection. If you wish to look at more vintage postcards, check out digital.scaa.sk.ca.
“Dear Sister, Just a few lines to let you know I got your letter. We are all well at present Edna has had a sore ear but it was just from her teeth. She is nearly walking alone. I am busy trying to get some sewing done but it just about keeps me busy getting the meals and washing dishes. I will write you a letter some time but I don’t seem to have any news to send. Love to all from all. We are not frozen up yet, although we have had some fierce weather and snow. It should not be hard to forget me not after this. Send me your recipe for home made soap? I have forgotten.“
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