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History of Valentines Day - Sweethearts & Romance

Updated on Feb 14, 2023. Originally added on Feb 14, 2017 by Kathy Pinna

Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to remember the ones who made your heart skip a beat. The parents who nurtured you, the spouses and partners who stood by your side, and yes even the exes who taught you valuable lessons.

So many emotions are shared every day on AncientFaces, but some of our favorite memories to relive are those of love. These photos of old Valentine's cards, sweethearts, and couples from the past are a beautiful reminder of all the loved filled memories we all have.

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Photos of Romance, Sweethearts, and Lovers

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The importance of letters, 1918

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During World War 1, communication from home was done through letters. This postcard was from a sailor to his sweetheart (later his wife), reminding her of how important her letters were. "Your sailor yearning for a letter every night."

College sweethearts, 1942

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At the college soda shop, carefree and happy - Lincoln Nebraska.

A Valentine Card?

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No! A tobacco label circa 1870 - love and good looking women have sold lots of products!

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World War II, a reminder of who you love

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In World War II, photos of your sweetheart kept your spirits up when you were far from home.

World War II, on leave

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Photo of Christie Landis Christie Landis
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shared on 12/26/2010

They met in California when he was on leave and later married. They look so happy!

Young love

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He was 16 - they didn't marry but they had fun being sweethearts.

Love and heartbreak

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A soldier saying goodbye to his sweetheart in 1943.

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Early 1941 Sweethearts

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Before World War II, dating was carefree and about having fun.

Jitterbug!

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Are they sweethearts or just dance partners? In 1943, there probably wasn't much of a distinction between the two for this sailor.

Just before Pearl Harbor

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Enjoying their love - just before he went to war.

"Sweethearts Still"

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This 1916 print shows sweethearts in their old age. Wonderful!

Valentine Wedding

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A wedding for Valentine's Day - so romantic.

One timeless tradition of Valentine's Day is giving sweet treats. Necco has been making their iconic "Sweethearts" candies with cute sayings like "Be Mine" and "True Love" since 1902. The sayings have changed with the times, but the sweet treats remain a staple of Valentine's Day. Chocolates, flowers, perfume, jewelry, and romantic dinners are other classic ways to show love on this special day. Valentine's cards are another timeless expression of love, suitable for anyone from friends to spouses. With St. Valentine's Day being the second most celebrated holiday worldwide, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate this special occasion.

The history of St. Valentine's Day is an interesting one. The holiday's roots can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the feast of Lupercalia was celebrated from February 13th to the 15th. Sometime in the 5th century, the Pope combined the festival with St. Valentine's Day. By the 14th century, handmade letters or cards became a tradition, and St. Valentine's Day evolved into a day of romantic love. In 1913, Hallmark began mass-producing Valentine's Day cards, and the holiday took on a more commercial form that we know today.

Celebrate the memories of your loved ones and the love they brought into your life on AncientFaces. Share a story, relive a moment, and keep their memory alive.

Have photos that you'd like to see included? Share your photos, or click "next page" to see wedding photos from around 100 years ago.

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