Cards from the Heart

 The Folklore of Valentine's Day Cards

In the Middle Ages people said or sang their Valentines. It wasn't until the 15th century that sentiments on paper began to appear. In fact the British Museum is home one of the earliest Valentine cards.
Over time the cards gained in popularity and were often given instead of gifts. By the 19th century they were designed and mass produced in English factories.  Most of them were black and white with simple drawings. The fancier ones included lace and ribbon.
American printer and artist Esther Howland brought the idea to America.  Amazingly, her home-based industry grossed about $100, 000 annually. In 1881 she sold her business to George C. Whitney Comapny.

It is interesting to note that outside of Christmas, Valentine's Day cards are the most widely exchanged card there are.  

Here are some fun facts:

• According to Hallmark research, more than 50% of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance.
• In order of popularity, Valentine's Day cards are given to teachers, children, mothers, wives, sweethearts and pets.
• Women purchase 85% of all Valentine's Day cards.

Related Articles: Esther Howland
History of Valentine's Day Cards Video
Saint Valentine
Valentine's Day Card images

The Folklore of Romance

February is considered the month of romance – at least that is the case in Western Europe and the United States. Long considered a monthless period (remember that the month itself did not exist in the original 10 month Roman calendar), it has come to represent the early onset of Spring. Spring, of course, is a season of “rebirth”. Fruit trees begin to blossom and many members of the animal kingdom produce their offspring. Human beings, too, emerge from the darkness and depth of winter silence into the light of this fertile time of year.

No wonder this month is connected with romance, courtship, marriage and intimacy.

Here is some folklore about some of the season’s symbols:

Cupid: This Roman God of Love who was always seen with his bow and arrows was the son of Venus he represented passion and playful love. According to some, his image changed significantly during the Victorian era to that of an asexual child.

English Lavendar: English lore has it that lavender can attract men. It was said that young ladies would wear small lavender bags in their cleavage to lure suitors. However, it was also used for chastity.
On St Luke's day young maidens would sip on a lavender tea and say.
"St Luke, St Luke, be kind to me,
In my dreams, let me my true love see.”
Girls would tuck some lavender under their lover's pillow so their thoughts would turn to romance. Lavendar placed under the marriage mattress would ensure marital passion.

Red, White and Pink: Red, often associated with warmth and feeling, is linked to the color of the human heart which distributes blood (red) throughout the body. February derives its name from the Latin term februum, which means purification, and is represented by the color white. When mixed together, red and white produce pink. A soft color that blends feeling/passion with purity it denotes the innocence of true love.

In celebration of True Love Folkheart Press is sponsoring a TRUE LOVE essay writing contest this month. Entries have already been selected and the voting has begun.

If you want to help us select the winning essay by casting your vote visit our contest blog.

It might inspire you to write a TRUE LOVE essay of your own!

Happy Valentine’s Day!