Love letters of paper and candy
Valentine's Day cards have come a long way since the first one was sent in 1806. Of course the message has stayed relatively the same, but the words and the format we choose to relay this message has changed. This goes along with the normal course of time and how the everyday vernacular and technology of any society becomes a very interesting snapshot of the times. For example, in the video below, Nancy Roisen, president of the National Valentines Collectors' Associaton says that the first postmarked valentine in 1806 was a message from a sailor to his wife in which he says he looks forward to returning from service and to living with her in peace. An even earlier precursor to our modern day Valentine was a devotional, dated 1700 and made in a french convent, which is a small card decorated with flowers and hearts and lace customarily given as a gift at communion or marriage as a token of love. Valentines at war time were unquestionably important: Civil War soldiers were given pre-made valentines within their military issue stationery packets.
Today we say I love you on candy, with balloons, skywriting and email. Has the message changed? Not really but the words we use have. Take a look at some Necco's famous candy heart sayings from just 7 years ago:
WRITE ME
CLASS ACT
WISE UP
TEACH ME
LOVE LETTER
PEN PAL
SCHOOL MATE
LET'S READ
Pen pal? Now it's called Facebook friend. Write me? Try: text me. Let's Read? In 2010 that's either Let's Kindle or Let's Nook. Both of which could either be a great marketing strategy for the namesakes or a lawsuit. It's a toin coss.
When Necco first invented conversation hearts in the 1860s these first hearts had printed paper notes tucked inside. This allowed ample room for lengthy, old-fashioned sayings such as “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail,” or “How long shall I have to wait? Pray be considerate.” 2010 translation: lose his digits.
However, we are relieved to report that there are a few timeless treasures that Necco candy continues to use throughout time: “Be Mine,” “Be Good,” “Be True,” “My Man,” “Kiss Me” and “Sweet Talk.”
Stay tuned for our Valentine's Day blog post Part 2: One of the most romantic and real stories is Beethoven's letter to his Immortal Beloved. Do you think he typed it in Times New Roman 12? Doubt it! Hear from renowed Calligrapher and stationer, Bernard Maisner, on his thoughts on writing messages of love. Has qwerty replaced penmanship? Will future generations communicate solely with their thumbs? What are we in for?!
