Valentine’s Day, a time to exchange cards, flowers, more

Valentine cards have an interesting history. The earliest known card was sent by the Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415. He was a prisoner in the Tower of London at the time. While these cards are not quite that old, they are antique and can be seen at the Columbus Museum. The cards in the bottom right photo are 3-D and made with tissue paper.
Valentine cards have an interesting history. The earliest known card was sent by the Duke of Orleans to his wife in 1415. He was a prisoner in the Tower of London at the time. While these cards are not quite that old, they are antique and can be seen at the Columbus Museum. The cards in the bottom right photo are 3-D and made with tissue paper.

On February 14, Americans celebrate love and friendship by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy. Although the origins of Valentine’s Day are murky, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the fifteenth of February. In A.D.496, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as Valentine’s Day.

On display in the Columbus Museum are several antique Valentine’s Day Cards dating b…