It’s February, and that means that Valentine’s Day decorations and cards are everywhere. Every store that sells greeting cards puts Valentine cards front and center for customers to find and distribute to friends, classmates, romantic partners, and loved ones. But did you know that Valentine’s Day cards have a much more interesting history than you might expect?
Check out these five facts about Valentine’s Day greeting cards that we bet you didn’t know!
1. Valentine’s cards are older than chocolate boxes.
The tradition of exchanging Valentine’s messages dates back to at least the 15th century. One of the earliest known Valentines was written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orléans, who wrote love poems to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The earliest known box of Valentine’s Day chocolates was made over 400 years later. Richard Cadbury (son of John Cadbury) manufactured the first heart-shaped box of assorted chocolates in 1868.
2. They were once handmade works of art.
Before mass production, Valentine’s cards were handcrafted and highly decorative. People used lace, ribbons, dried flowers, and intricate paper cutouts. Some cards even included moving parts or hidden messages. In the 1800s, receiving an elaborate Valentine signified someone had put real time and money into expressing their feelings.
3. Valentine’s Day cards helped create the industry of modern greeting cards.
The rise of Valentine’s cards in the 19th century played a huge role in making greeting cards mainstream. Esther A. Howland, often called the “Mother of the American Valentine,” popularized mass-produced cards in the U.S. Her success proved that people were willing to buy pre-made cards, paving the way for birthday, holiday, and sympathy cards.
4. Not all Valentines were sweet.
Believe it or not, “vinegar valentines” were once popular. These cards were meant to insult or mock the recipient, often using cruel jokes or unflattering cartoons. While they were meant as humor, they definitely weren’t kind, and thankfully, they’ve fallen out of fashion.
5. Teachers receive the most Valentine’s cards.
You might think romantic partners top the list, but teachers actually receive more Valentine’s Day cards than anyone else. Thanks to classroom exchanges and school traditions, educators end up with stacks of cards every February.
Find Greeting Cards and Gifts for Valentine’s Day at Casual Cat
Whoever you’re expressing love and appreciation for this Valentine’s Day, you can find the perfect gift at Casual Cat! Our collection of handmade and fair-trade gifts has something for everyone. Plus, our selection of greeting cards ensures you’ll find the perfect message to match your gift.