How Valentine's Day Cards Started

Before the Christian Church erected the holiday of St. Valentine's day, the Romans celebrated a mid-February festival. This was the feast of Lupercius. At the feast of Lupercius young Roman men would draw names of young women, in a lottery fashion. The women that were chosen would serve their respective males as companions for that year, until the next drawing came about.

After Christianity took over Rome, the Christian Church sought to replace this holiday with something a little more tasteful. It changed the name-drawing. Now, both men and women could draw names. Surely, the young Romans looked downhearted as they found the name of a Christian saint on their cards rather than the wonderful companion they wished for. Instead of getting a companion through the lottery, they got a saint which they were to exemplify for that year.

The Romans were miffed. They missed their companions every February. Some ingenious Roman lads thought up an idea. Instead of hoping that the woman they admired would be on their card, they went about sending cards with their names on them to these women. This tradition has carried on to this present day. Can you remember the first valentine you got from an admirer? If you can, make sure to look them up and send one back this holiday season. Happy Valentine's Day!