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Little did Saint Valentine know that his campaign to spread the message of love and happiness would turn into an annual feast celebrated by people across the world.The concept of greeting ones spouse or lover on valentine has been prevalent since the medieval times. In those days it was fashionable to recite or sing verses written specially for a loved one. Paper greeting cards originated in the 1500’s. But even before that the first recorded Valentine verses were written by the Duke of Orleans, when in prison. The Duke has written several versus and poems for his wife and some of these written parchments are still on display at the British Museum in England.
The 1700’s was significant. It was during this time that the tradition of presenting flowers to your beloved originated. Valentine Day cards became popular in America as far back as the 1700’s. At this time it was a common practice to import ‘writers’ or ‘books’ with romantic versus, which were then printed on cards and paper.
In those days most valentine’s day cards were handmade with depictions of the sacred heart, an angel and cupid and lace trimmings. Cards as we know and understand today became popular much later. Commercialization of the festival has changed a lot. Today cards come in every conceivable variety!
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