Grow old with me! The best is yet to be – Robert Browning, English poet & playwright (1812-1889) 

The legends of Saint Valentine are many. Prior to many legends of Saint Valentine of Rome, he was incarcerated in jail for ministering to Christians persecuted under the Roman Empire. While some of the stories are quite brutal, such as being imprisoned and treated harshly in jail. It is said that Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer. The story may have been a bit overspoken; however, he later wrote a letter to the jailer’s daughter signed “Your Valentine” as a farewell before his execution. In the 8th century came the Feast of Saint Valentine on February 14. It was then that the day was considered a day of sharing romantic love. In time celebrations across the globe developed. Gifts started new customs for the celebration including sending cards, flowers, and chocolates. England continues with a variety of customs. Something like our Halloween activities, a character called “Jack” goes to the back door of the home where he leaves goodies, sweets, and cards. 

In some areas Saint Valentine’s Day means the coming of Spring. A time to get outside and notice the coming of plants and flowers. It’s also the first work in the vineyards and fields.   

Valentine cards in the United States were produced around 1847 by a young woman, Esther Howland, in Worcester Massachusetts. Her father owned a large book and stationery store. You can “google” the young woman and her elaborate drawings. She used fine lace borders, ornate flowers in cut-outs and a small pale green envelope in the center that contained a verse appropriate for Valentine’s Day. At the time they were quite expensive with the materials being imported from Europe. In time she was known as “The Mother of the American Valentine.” 

Making cards of any kind can be enjoyable and relaxing. It takes little effort, and usually easy to find materials found around the house from clothing no longer used, cut into small squares, or at a local store offering colored papers, cardstock, tissue paper, glue, scotch tape, metallic markers, highlighters, paint and paint brushes, glitter, ribbons, buttons, old photographs, and maybe even letters you have saved. 

I’ve had the pleasure of having three friends who loved to make cards and did it so well. One friend started a little bookstore in Starkville on Main Street. She had beautiful and unique cards as well as handmade cards. She was generous and allowed me to make and sell my own homemade cards. The two other friends who enjoy making and sharing cards are somewhat neighbors as the Prairie goes. I love receiving their cards being beautiful, meaningful, and heart touching. I have a little drawer where I keep these cards and occasionally pull them out to read and enjoy them again. 

If you’re reading this now you have five days to get or make your Valentine cards, gifts, or hugs and kisses. It takes so little and means so much. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.

Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].