The History of Valentine Cards

Valentine greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages. At that time, affectionate feelings were expressed with songs or poems. In the 1400s, written love messages appeared. The oldest known valentine was made in the 1400s and is held in the British Museum.

Paper valentines were especially popular in England, where in the early 1800s, black and white cards were assembled in factories and illustrated by hand. Fancy valentines were adorned with lace and ribbons. Valentines Day continues to be a popular holiday with greetings sent to sweethearts, children,

and friends.