Valentine’s Day is an annual celebration that is held on February 14th. It honors the love and affection commonly displayed between intimate companions. It was officially named a holiday in 500 A.D. by Pope Gelasius I in honor of one or more Christian martyrs named Valentine. Although it has a religious context, it is recognized as a romantic holiday and becomes more commercialized each and every year.
Examples of Valentine’s Day Gifts and Symbols
People flock to different retailers and florists to purchase gifts for their loved ones. These items typically include boxes of chocolates, long stem roses, and teddy bears. Other common Valentine’s Day symbols include hearts, doves, and images of Cupid. You can find these images on everything ranging from clothing and apparel to custom lapel pins and keychains.
The History of Valentine’s Day Cards
Esther Howland is credited for being the first manufacturer of Valentine’s Day cards which are also known as valentines. The paper lace and floral decorations that she used in her ornate cards was specially ordered from England. In a matter of a few years, her business was booming and she was making over $100,000 a year. This was an impressive sum of money to make in the mid-1800s. She was eventually able to hire friends to help her with her growing business. She retired in 1881 and sold her business to the George C. Whitney Company.
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