Origins of Valentine's Day
The origins of Valentine's Day date back to ancient Roman times with the festival of Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that the day became associated with romance, largely due to the legend of Saint Valentine. Over the centuries, the day evolved from a celebration of fertility and love to one dedicated to courtship and affection.
By the time the Victorian era arrived, the celebration of Valentine's Day had already become more mainstream, though it still lacked the highly romanticized elements we recognize today. It was during the 19th century, particularly in England, that the Victorians truly embraced the holiday, turning it into an expression of romantic love, friendship, and courtship.
Victorian Valentine's Day Traditions
The Victorian era was a time of strict social codes and formality, and this was reflected in the way Valentine’s Day was celebrated. The act of sending a Valentine’s card became a common tradition during the Victorian period. These cards were often intricately designed and served as an important means of expressing affection. Unlike today, where it is common to express love through casual text messages or simple notes, the Victorians took great care in crafting elaborate cards with poetic verses, detailed illustrations, and fine paper. shutdown123