Romantic (and not so Romantic) Gifts Throughout History
By Jessica Cardona
Are you struggling with finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Then take a look at these popular presents from the past; you might find some inspiration.
Love Tokens
Love Tokens are hand-engraved coins, and they have existed since at least the 13th century. To make one, the lovestruck engraver would smooth over the designs of an actual coin, and carve in a lover’s name or romantic symbol. These mementos weren’t always given with romantic intentions. Tokens were often made for family members and friends, and they were also created to mark important occasions. Love tokens are now primarily sold in gift shops and online stores, but let’s face it: doesn’t a handmade token sound more romantic?
Eye Miniatures
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, many lovestruck aristocrats commissioned miniature paintings of their eyes, and gave them to their significant other. Eye miniatures were discreet mementos created to protect a lover’s identity. These paintings were placed in elaborate frames, and were also worn as jewelry. Eye miniatures weren’t exclusively for lovers, however. Like love tokens, they were also made for close friends or family members.
It’s believed that the first person to commission an eye miniature was none other than the Prince of Wales, the man who would later become George IV. The prince was infatuated with Maria Fitzherbert, and he enclosed his eye miniature in a proposal letter. The couple eventually got married in 1785, but because the marriage was made without George III’s approval, it was declared illegitimate.
Vinegar Valentines
During the Victorian era, elaborate valentine cards were all the rage. Mass-produced cards with lush illustrations and lace trim were sold in many stores, alongside their more vulgar counterpart: vinegar valentines. If someone wanted to ruin another person’s Valentines day, then they would anonymously send these cards. Insulting caricatures and poems were printed on them, and were typically aimed towards a specific type of person. Popular targets included old maids, bachelors, dandies and even suffragettes. In a way, these cards were a reflection of a prominent Victorian value: conformity.
Flowers
Floriography, commonly referred to as the “language of flowers”, was introduced in the seventeenth century. However, its popularity grew during the nineteenth century. With the help of magazines and floriography books, individuals crafted bouquets and arrangements that expressed their hidden thoughts. Different flowers had different meanings. For example, a maiden blush rose stood for timid love. A person could accuse someone of having a love-ignorant heart with a bundle of white rosebuds. In a time of repressed social interaction between genders and social classes, flowers were a way for Victorian couples to discreetly express their love.
By Jessica Cardona
Are you struggling with finding the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Then take a look at these popular presents from the past; you might find some inspiration.
Love Tokens
Love Tokens are hand-engraved coins, and they have existed since at least the 13th century. To make one, the lovestruck engraver would smooth over the designs of an actual coin, and carve in a lover’s name or romantic symbol. These mementos weren’t always given with romantic intentions. Tokens were often made for family members and friends, and they were also created to mark important occasions. Love tokens are now primarily sold in gift shops and online stores, but let’s face it: doesn’t a handmade token sound more romantic?
Eye Miniatures
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, many lovestruck aristocrats commissioned miniature paintings of their eyes, and gave them to their significant other. Eye miniatures were discreet mementos created to protect a lover’s identity. These paintings were placed in elaborate frames, and were also worn as jewelry. Eye miniatures weren’t exclusively for lovers, however. Like love tokens, they were also made for close friends or family members.
It’s believed that the first person to commission an eye miniature was none other than the Prince of Wales, the man who would later become George IV. The prince was infatuated with Maria Fitzherbert, and he enclosed his eye miniature in a proposal letter. The couple eventually got married in 1785, but because the marriage was made without George III’s approval, it was declared illegitimate.
Vinegar Valentines
During the Victorian era, elaborate valentine cards were all the rage. Mass-produced cards with lush illustrations and lace trim were sold in many stores, alongside their more vulgar counterpart: vinegar valentines. If someone wanted to ruin another person’s Valentines day, then they would anonymously send these cards. Insulting caricatures and poems were printed on them, and were typically aimed towards a specific type of person. Popular targets included old maids, bachelors, dandies and even suffragettes. In a way, these cards were a reflection of a prominent Victorian value: conformity.
Flowers
Floriography, commonly referred to as the “language of flowers”, was introduced in the seventeenth century. However, its popularity grew during the nineteenth century. With the help of magazines and floriography books, individuals crafted bouquets and arrangements that expressed their hidden thoughts. Different flowers had different meanings. For example, a maiden blush rose stood for timid love. A person could accuse someone of having a love-ignorant heart with a bundle of white rosebuds. In a time of repressed social interaction between genders and social classes, flowers were a way for Victorian couples to discreetly express their love.