Did Hallmark invent Valentine’s Day?

There are a lot of guesses as to exactly how Valentine’s Day got started but they all date prior to Hallmark. Legend says this special day goes back to 271 A.D. when Valentine, known later as the lover’s saint, was beheaded by the order of Emperor Claudius. About 250 years later, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 as St Valentine’s Day as a substitute for a pagan festival of fertility held in mid-February.

Hallmark started making Valentine’s cards around 1913. I’m not sure when the tradition started of exchanging Valentines cards in the classroom but we all felt for Charlie Brown when he was wishing to receive a Valentine. It is amazing to me that children brought in Valentines just for their best friends and did not include everyone in the classroom. What a popularity contest and a horrible tradition!

When I was in Junior High (what we now call Middle School) we could purchase Valentine-grams to our friends and have them delivered during class on Valentine’s Day. The Valentine grams usually consisted of a note and a piece of candy or a single carnation. I’m pretty sure every year I would not only send them to my secret crush(es) but also to my best friends AND at least two to myself “just in case” nobody sent one to me. I did not want to be That Kid who didn’t receive any.

Before the global pandemic, I was a Pre-K teacher and we told parents that bringing in Valentine’s cards or treats was optional but if they did bring them in, be sure and bring one in for each child in the classroom. That way no one was left out and no one had to feel embarrassed or excluded like Charlie Brown. I think that is a good policy.

This year the schools where I live are still in lockdown because of the pandemic. Maybe this Valentine’s Day there is not the pressure to send out Valentine’s. But think about how much sweeter it will be to actually receive something in the mail this Valentine’s Day – especially because we have every excuse not to! This is a great time to reach out and send a card. Whether it is handmade or store bought doesn’t matter. What matters is that you are reaching out and spreading some hope. Your words matter.

For a quick formula for making a Valentine Card, check this blog post: 3 Cards, 1 Card Sketch for Valentine’s

Happy Valentine’s Day!