Our ancestors had many unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, many of which centered on Saint Valentine or Valentinius of Italy. Historical accounts date the original early celebrations back to the early third century.
Valentine’s Day has always had a special meaning. For many of our ancestors, the messages delivered to the special people in their lives were often far more personal and intimate than in modern times. The cards were more intricate and the artwork far superior than is the case today. Love letters, notes, and even fancy gifts have passed between suitors and parents as early as the 1600s. In the United States, the practice became more popular after the Civil War, when thousands of soldiers-turned-beaus were looking for belles.
The custom of sending Valentine’s Day cards in the form of love poems have been written since the Middle Ages. In the 18th century printed valentine cards, with poetry and sometimes decorations, were produced. Valentine cards became hugely popular in the 19th century when lower postage rates made it affordable to send cards in the mail. Instead of the contemporary language found in many cards and letters today, romantic poetry was the rule in the cards usually supplemented by a message along the same lines.
Our ancestors had many unique traditions. One example involves how young females celebrated Valentine’s Day by pinning bay leaves to their pillows. The ritual included dreaming of one’s sweetheart in hopes of being married within the year. Another Valentine’s Day tradition entailed writing lovers’ names on bits of paper, rolling them in clay and then placing them under water. Whichever name rose to the surface first would be the Valentine. Love knots are another historical tradition. They were particularly popular in Victorian times. Love knots take many forms, but were often valentines written on paper or ribbon and tied in elaborate knots.
Today, many genealogists celebrate Valentine’s Day by researching the family’s valentine traditions. How our ancestors celebrated the day of romance has changed many times over the centuries, and the ways it was celebrated were often regional. Old diaries and love letters can provide many hours of interesting reading and wonderful insights into the personalities of parents, grandparents, and relatives when they were young. Photograph albums are another potential source to locate pictures of our parents, grandparents, and other cherished ancestors and close friends.
Because of COVID-19, many social events celebrated as part of Valentine’s Day may need to be cancelled. However, there are many other ways we can keep in touch. Some genealogists use the opportunity to create a Valentine mosaic of the family. While working with old family photos on the genealogy Valentine’s Day cards, make additional copies of them to create a nice mosaic of your ancestors. You can even include photos of ancient ancestors who no one in your family today actually knew in person. Include fun borders around each photo with a little bit of information about the ancestors on them, and arrange them on a cardstock backing, attaching them with archival safe glue. Many people create this mosaic in a heart-shaped form and frame it. In the best case scenario, locating a heart-shaped picture frame adds an even more spectacular dimension to the finished piece. You can put it on the wall of your home or give it as a gift to a special relative who will love it.
Here are some links that may be useful in planning activities or looking for ideas.