Valentine's Day Gifts and Customs

Valentine's Day Gifts and Customs

Blog Article

In addition to sending cards, other Valentine's Day customs emerged during the Victorian era. Men often gave their sweethearts small tokens of affection, such as flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. These gifts were seen as an outward expression of affection and were meant to demonstrate the sincerity and depth of one’s feelings.

One particularly popular tradition was the giving of a "Valentine’s gift box," which often included small trinkets, lace handkerchiefs, and chocolates. The tradition of giving chocolates on Valentine's Day is largely credited to the Victorians, who not only created beautiful boxes for chocolates but also began the practice of presenting these sweet treats as a symbol of love and affection.

The Role of Literature and Poetry

The Victorians also elevated the role of poetry in expressing love. Valentine's Day became a time to exchange beautiful, romantic verses. Many of the most famous poets of the era, such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Alfred Lord Tennyson, captured the sentimentality and depth of romantic love in their works, which often served as inspiration for the Valentine’s Day cards and messages exchanged during this time.

These poems and verses contributed to the richness of the holiday, giving people a way to articulate their feelings in a manner that was both poetic and refined. The importance of eloquence and refinement in expressing love during the Victorian era elevated the act of sending a Valentine’s card to an art form.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day during the Victorian era was far more than just a commercial holiday; it was a carefully curated expression of love, courtship, and sentimentality. The Victorians transformed what had once been a simple celebration into a meaningful ritual, one that involved intricate designs, poetic expressions, and heartfelt gifts. Their influence is still evident today, as many of the traditions they established—such as sending Valentine’s cards, giving flowers and chocolates, and sharing romantic poetry—remain central to the way we celebrate the holiday. Valentine's Day in Victorian style reminds us of the enduring power of love and the importance of thoughtful expression in our relationships. shutdown123

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