A Short History of Valentine's Day and Valentine Cards

Early valentines

In the fifteenth century, handwritten verses and letters were sent to loved ones. One of the oldest surviving valentine poems is often credited to Charles, Duke of Orléans, who wrote verses while a prisoner in the Tower of London in the early 1400s.

From handwritten to printed

• Eighteenth century: exchanging small tokens and handwritten notes became fashionable in Britain.
• Nineteenth century: improvements in printing and postage made printed valentine cards popular, often decorated with lace, ribbons and verses.
• Mid-nineteenth century: in the United States, Esther Howland of Massachusetts is often called the "Mother of the American Valentine" for making and selling elaborate cards.

Modern Valentine's Day

Today, the day includes cards, flowers, chocolates, dinners and messages, and it is celebrated in many countries. Some people love it, others find it too commercial. Many choose to keep it simple: a note, a walk, a shared meal.

What has stayed the same

Across the centuries, the core has stayed constant: people want to tell someone they care, and to do so with words. That is why a good message still matters more than an expensive gift.

Ideas for your own version

1. Write a handwritten note. It connects you with the oldest tradition.
2. Use a verse or quote as a starting point.
3. Keep it playful. A fun tool like True Love Calculator, which gives an entertainment-only love percentage for two names, can make a lighthearted addition to a card or message.

Tips

1. Enjoy the history.
2. Keep the message personal.
3. Do what feels right for you, not what's expected.

Try True Love Calculator →