Headlines: The Origins of Valentines Day

by: Linda S. and Jessica G.

Valentine’s Day is coming soon, but do you even know how it started? Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 to demonstrate love for companions; people give each other flowers, chocolates, confections, send cards known as “valentines,” and give/receive other gifts. Valentine’s Day was named after an early martyr named St. Valentine.

People liked valentines so much in England that in the early 19th century they began making them in factories; fancy valentines had real lace and ribbons, which then led to the introduction of paper lace in the mid-19th century. Shortly after 1847, Esther Howland sold the first mass produced valentines of embossed paper lace in the United States. She was inspired from an English valentine that she had received from her father’s business associate. In the United States, during the second half of the 20th century exchanging cards became more popular for gifts.

Typical gifts are roses and chocolates wrapped in a red, satin, heart shaped box. In the 1980s, Valentines Day was promoted as an occasion for giving jewelry by the diamond industry. About 190 million valentines are sent each year in the U.S according to the U.S Greeting Card Association. Half of that is sent to family members excluding husband and wife. Including Valentine exchanges in school, the amount of valentines given a year are raised to 1 billion, and teachers become the people to receive the most valentines.

Many people today use technology to celebrate Valentines Day. They use e-cards, love coupons or printable greeting cards. In 2010, about 15 million e-valentines were sent.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world. In Europe, there is a person called “Jack” Valentine who knocks on the back door of homes and leaves sweets and presents for children; however many children were known to be afraid because of his mysteriousness. In Wales, many people celebrate Valentine’s Day on January 25 instead of or in addition to February 14.

In some Latin countries, people refer to Valentine’s Day as "Día del Amor y la Amistad" which translates to the Day of Love and Friendship. In Brazil, Valentine’s Day is recognized on June 12.