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Story
February 1, 1953
Pick And Shovel
Bauxite, Saline County, Arkansas
What is this article about?
Article traces Valentine's Day from its origins as the feast of two Christian martyrs executed under Emperor Claudius to its evolution as a day for exchanging love tokens, briefly into insulting comic valentines, and back to expressions of esteem and kindness.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
VALENTINE'S DAY IS FOR LOVE ALONE...
February 14 is properly known as St. Valentine's Day because it is the feast day of two Christian Martyrs—both put to death during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
However, it is popularly known as Valentine's Day, when the young folks exchange valentines. The valentines were originally love poems or letters, and some believe they were exchanged on February 14 because of a myth to the effect that the birds began mating on that date.
About 150 years ago the love poems and letters degenerated into grotesque pictures which people sent to acquaintances they didn't like. The object was to hurt the feelings of those receiving the so-called "comic" valentines.
Fortunately this custom has changed again. Once more valentines are really tokens of esteem. Some are beautiful, and others only cartoons asking: "Won't you be my Valentine?"
At any rate, we're getting a long way from the jeering verses and insulting messages of the old-time valentines. Perhaps that's an indication of increasing kindness and good fellowship throughout the country.
February 14 is properly known as St. Valentine's Day because it is the feast day of two Christian Martyrs—both put to death during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.
However, it is popularly known as Valentine's Day, when the young folks exchange valentines. The valentines were originally love poems or letters, and some believe they were exchanged on February 14 because of a myth to the effect that the birds began mating on that date.
About 150 years ago the love poems and letters degenerated into grotesque pictures which people sent to acquaintances they didn't like. The object was to hurt the feelings of those receiving the so-called "comic" valentines.
Fortunately this custom has changed again. Once more valentines are really tokens of esteem. Some are beautiful, and others only cartoons asking: "Won't you be my Valentine?"
At any rate, we're getting a long way from the jeering verses and insulting messages of the old-time valentines. Perhaps that's an indication of increasing kindness and good fellowship throughout the country.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Love
Social Manners
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Valentines Day
Saint Valentine
Love Tokens
Comic Valentines
Kindness
What entities or persons were involved?
St. Valentine
Claudius
Story Details
Key Persons
St. Valentine
Claudius
Event Date
February 14
Story Details
Valentine's Day originates as the feast of two martyrs killed under Emperor Claudius; evolves into exchanging love poems linked to bird mating myth; around 150 years ago becomes insulting comic valentines; now returns to tokens of esteem indicating growing kindness.