Most would agree that Valentine's Day is a rather strange celebration. What began as a religious holiday has, over the centuries, morphed into a romantic festivity commemorated by candy hearts, chubby babies, and overpriced bouquets.
But did you know that the romantic nature of this holiday might not be too much of a historical stretch? It's believed that St. Valentine was originally arrested for secretly performing weddings.
But it wasn't until the Victorian 1900s that St. Valentine's feast day evolved into the holiday as we know it today. It was then that lovers began to exchange tokens of affection and the winged infants took flight.
Speaking of Cupid, did you know that in ancient Roman mythology, he's the god of love and desire? In ancient Greek myths, Cupid went by "Eros," and he was actually a slender young man. But Renaissance painters took handsome Eros and forever engrained him in our minds as a fat little baby.
As you'll see below, around 1930, Valentine's Day took an adorable turn. This cute tradition of corny puns and sweet sentiments continued through the 1960s and '70s. Nowadays, our Valentines are still cute, but unfortunately not quite as "punny."
Please SHARE if you think these vintage cards are perfectly quirky and cute!
"It's time to be my valentine!"
"My CAUSE is YOU!!"
"A valentine konfeshun..."
"Rain or shine... Be mine Valentine"
"Valentine I Moon 4 U"
"You're doggone cute, Valentine!"
"I aim to be your 'BOW' "
"I'm in the fight to win you!"
"I'm not old-fashioned, valentine!"
"To My Valentine..."
"It's PLANE I love you, Valentine!"
"It's time to come 'clean' and be my Valentine!"
"You can't 'buck' me..."
"'OSTRICH' a point say you'll be my Valentine"
"Don't keep me in the dog-house my Valentine"
"Valentine we'd be a fine 'PEAR' "
Please SHARE if you miss old-fashioned Valentine's Day cards!
