What’s the History Behind Valentine’s Day Gifts?
Flowers, chocolates, and cards are classics for a Valentine’s Day celebration. While the holiday has evolved with countless gift-giving possibilities, these traditional presents remain a constant. That said, have you ever wondered how flowers, chocolates, and cards ended up being traditional Valentine’s Day gifts?
Origins of Valentine’s Day
The exchange of gifts on Valentine’s Day is rooted in the holiday’s complex history, beginning with connections to ancient Roman festivals and Christian martyrs. According to records, it was back in 496 AD that the 14th of February was designated in Christianity as the Feast of Saint Valentine, by Pope Gelasius.
It was only in the Middle Ages that Valentine’s Day transitioned into a holiday associated with romance through the exchange of tokens. Furthermore, history notes that Geoffrey Chaucer, a renowned 14th-century English poet, significantly influenced modern Valentine’s Day through his poem “Parliament of Foules.” In this work, he linked February 14 to the mating season of birds, establishing it as a day for romantic courtship and love.
History Behind the Gifts
When Valentine’s Day shifted into a more romantic celebration in the Middle Ages, it was common for young couples to exchange love tokens such as handmade items and romantic notes. It was only in later centuries, however, that the following became classic gifts for the holiday:
Cards
The oldest known Valentine’s Day card was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, for his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. During the 18th century, cards were typically handmade and adorned with romantic symbols such as flowers and love knots, often including puzzles and poetry.
Due to improvements in printing technology and lower postage rates in the 1900s, ready-made cards ended up replacing handwritten letters. Today, Valentine’s Day cards are a major industry.
Flowers
Giving flowers as a gift is a long-standing tradition for many occasions. The practice of giving flowers on Valentine’s Day started in the 16th century. Because of their representation of love and strong feelings, the rose became a flower of choice.
In the Victorian era, red roses became especially popular, and different types of flowers were used to communicate various meanings. The language of flowers included not only the meaning of the flower itself but also the way of combining, presenting, and receiving flowers.
Chocolates
Spanish explorers introduced chocolate to Europe in the 17th century. Because of its possible aphrodisiac effects, chocolate became a popular gift for the holiday of love. In the 19th century, advancements in production made chocolate more accessible.
Richard Cadbury created the first heart-shaped box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1861. By the 1930s, American chocolate manufacturers were heavily invested in Valentine’s Day merchandise and advertising.
Over time, several Valentine’s Day gifts developed into what they are today through advertising in different industries. Additionally, many have come up with different twists to them for a more exciting gift to give. Whatever the form, many people still enjoy flowers, chocolates, and cards for Valentine’s Day
