By
Sylvia Cochran
Valentine's
Day has been observed in a number of fashions throughout the decades,
but the traditions that Americans associate with the holiday did not
truly take place until about 1847. This year marks the first occasion
that an American stationery store sold pre-printed Valentine's Day
cards, and a practice that seems to have already flourished in
England finally took hold in North America.
Nineteenth
century social mores made the exchange of Valentine's Day gifts a
mostly one-sided occasion for those who were unmarried. Men would
offer handwritten and later printed cards to their love interests. As
the 20th century was ushered in, gifts of flowers and later candies
were added to the Valentine's Day observances. In the 1980's, the rise
of diamond industry advertisements urging the purchase of a special
gift gave a decidedly commercial feel to the occasion.
England
introduced North America to the concept of greeting card exchanges
for Valentine's Day observances, but other countries have put their
own special spin on the day. In Sweden, giving flowers is at the
heart of the observance, while cards take a backseat. Finland
expanded the celebration to not only include lovers but also friends.
In Japan, women take the initiative and present the men in their
lives with chocolate candies.
Men
and women observing Valentine's Day today generally use pre-printed
cards. They serve as a springboard from which to seek out more
elaborate observances. The ultimate observance is perhaps a marriage
proposal timed for this day. A night out with dinner, dancing, and
time away from friends and family is also part of the observance. Of
course, finding the right things to do on Valentine's Day depends
largely on the couple's tastes and preferences.
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