Who Created the First Valentine's Day Card?

The first known Valentine's Day card was created by Charles, Duke of Orleans, in 1415 while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after the Battle of Agincourt. This handwritten missive, addressed to his wife, is widely recognized as the oldest surviving valentine and marks a pivotal moment in the history of romantic expression. Often referred to in historical discussions as who created the first Valentine's Day card, Charles’ poetic gesture laid the foundation for a centuries-old tradition that evolved into today’s global exchange of love notes and greeting cards. His verse, written in French, blends courtly affection with personal longing, embodying early modern ideals of chivalry and emotional sincerity.

Historical Origins of Valentine’s Day and Early Romantic Gestures

To understand who created the first Valentine’s Day card, it’s essential to explore the broader cultural and literary traditions that preceded it. While Saint Valentine himself—associated with clandestine marriages during the Roman Empire—is often credited with inspiring the holiday, there is no evidence linking him directly to the creation of written love messages. Instead, the concept of sending tokens of affection on February 14 emerged gradually through medieval European customs, particularly in France and England.

By the 14th century, the idea of courtly love had taken root among the nobility. Poets like Geoffrey Chaucer helped popularize the association between birds mating in mid-February and human romance. In his 1382 poem Parlement of Foules, Chaucer wrote: “For this was on Saint Valentine’s day / When every fowl cometh there to choose his mate.” This literary reference is one of the earliest known connections between St. Valentine and romantic love, setting the stage for future expressions of affection tied to the date.

It was within this evolving framework of poetic sentiment and aristocratic ritual that the practice of writing love letters began to flourish. These weren’t mass-produced items but rather personal, hand-crafted expressions often filled with metaphor, religious imagery, and floral symbolism. The transition from oral poetry to written declarations made it possible for individuals to preserve their feelings—an innovation that would eventually lead to the commercial greeting card industry centuries later.

Charles, Duke of Orleans: A Nobleman’s Love Letter from Prison

Returning to the central question—who created the first Valentine’s Day card?—the answer lies in the life of Charles, Duke of Orleans (1394–1465), a French nobleman and accomplished poet. Captured at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 during the Hundred Years' War, Charles spent 25 years as a prisoner in England, much of it in the Tower of London. Despite his captivity, he maintained an active intellectual life and continued writing poetry.

Among his surviving manuscripts is a tender poem addressed to his second wife, Bonne d’Armagnac, dated February 14, 1415. Written in Middle French, the letter begins with lines expressing loneliness and devotion, characteristic of both prison literature and courtly love poetry. Though not a ‘card’ in the modern sense—lacking lace, cupids, or red hearts—it functioned as a personalized romantic message delivered on Valentine’s Day, making it the earliest documented example of what we now recognize as a valentine.

This manuscript is currently housed in the British Library’s collection, part of the Falkirk Roll archives. Scholars cite it as a landmark artifact in the evolution of Valentine’s Day traditions. It demonstrates how elite culture used literacy and artistry to convey emotion when physical presence was impossible—a theme that resonates even today in long-distance relationships and digital messaging.

From Handwritten Poems to Mass-Produced Greeting Cards

While Charles may have penned the first recorded valentine, the widespread practice of exchanging Valentine’s Day cards didn’t take off until several centuries later. By the 18th century, handmade paper cards decorated with ribbons, lace, and painted flowers became increasingly common among the middle and upper classes in Britain. These early valentines were often anonymous, adding an element of mystery and intrigue to the holiday.

A key turning point came in the 19th century with the advent of industrial printing and improved postal systems. In 1840, the introduction of the Penny Post in England made mailing letters affordable for the general public. Around the same time, Esther A. Howland, an American woman from Worcester, Massachusetts, began producing elaborate, commercially printed valentines inspired by English models she had seen. Her company, launched in the 1850s, is credited with creating the first mass-market Valentine’s Day cards in the United States.

Howland’s designs featured ornate cut-paper lace, gilt trim, and romantic verses. She marketed them through catalogs and department stores, transforming Valentine’s Day from a niche custom into a national celebration centered around gift-giving. Over time, other companies followed suit, leading to the rise of Hallmark and other greeting card giants in the 20th century.

Cultural Evolution and Global Variations in Valentine’s Traditions

The story of who created the first Valentine’s Day card reflects more than just a single act of romantic expression—it illustrates how cultural values shape holidays over time. While Western countries emphasize February 14 as a day for couples to exchange gifts and affection, other regions have developed unique adaptations.

For instance, in Japan and South Korea, Valentine’s Day is primarily observed by women giving chocolate to men. A month later, on White Day (March 14), men are expected to return the favor with gifts of equal or greater value. This reciprocal system highlights different social expectations around romance and obligation.

In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Guatemala, the holiday is called Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship), emphasizing bonds beyond romantic partnerships. Similarly, in Finland and Estonia, February 14 is celebrated as Ystävänpäivä or Sõbrapäev, meaning “Friend’s Day,” underscoring platonic relationships.

These variations show that while the origin of the valentine card may be rooted in 15th-century Europe, its meaning has been reinterpreted across cultures to reflect local norms and values. Understanding these differences helps contextualize why certain traditions persist and how globalization continues to influence how people celebrate love.

Modern-Day Implications and Digital Transformations

In the 21st century, the legacy of who created the first Valentine’s Day card lives on—not only in physical greeting cards but also in digital formats. E-cards, text messages, social media posts, and video calls have become new mediums for expressing affection. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok see surges in romantic content every February, blending nostalgia with modern technology.

Despite these innovations, many still value the tactile experience of receiving a handwritten note. Educational programs and DIY craft kits encourage children and adults alike to make their own valentines, echoing the handmade spirit of earlier eras. Schools across the U.S. host classroom parties where students exchange decorated cards, continuing a tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

At the same time, critics argue that Valentine’s Day has become overly commercialized, driven more by marketing than genuine emotion. However, others view it as an opportunity to express appreciation—not only for romantic partners but also for friends, family members, and even oneself (a trend sometimes called “self-love” or “Galentine’s Day”).

Common Misconceptions About the First Valentine’s Day Card

Several myths surround the origins of Valentine’s Day cards. One common misconception is that Saint Valentine himself sent the first valentine, possibly to a jailer’s daughter. While this tale appears in some hagiographies, there is no historical evidence supporting it. Another myth suggests that Victorian-era Britons invented the tradition wholesale, ignoring earlier continental precedents like Charles of Orleans’ letter.

Additionally, some believe that Esther Howland was the first person ever to create a Valentine’s card. While she played a crucial role in commercializing them, her work built upon existing European practices. Clarifying these points helps separate fact from folklore and gives proper credit to those who truly shaped the tradition.

How to Explore the Legacy of the First Valentine Today

Interested in seeing the original manuscript attributed to Charles, Duke of Orleans? While visiting the British Library in person offers the most authentic experience, high-resolution digital scans are available online through their Digitised Manuscripts portal. Searching for “MS Arundel 213” will bring up the volume containing his poems, including the famous 1415 valentine.

Educators can use this document to teach students about medieval literature, the history of emotions, and the development of language. Creative writers might draw inspiration from its blend of melancholy and hope. And anyone curious about who created the first Valentine’s Day card can gain deeper insight by reading translations of the poem and studying its historical context.

Museums such as the Morgan Library & Museum in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London also host special exhibitions around February 14, showcasing antique valentines, love letters, and related artifacts. These collections offer a tangible connection to the past and illustrate how far the tradition has come.

Period	Development	Key Figure/Event
1415	First recorded Valentine’s letter	Charles, Duke of Orleans
1700s	Rise of handmade paper valentines	British middle class
1840	Penny Post enables affordable mail	UK postal reform
1850s	First commercial valentines in U.S.	Esther A. Howland
20th century	Growth of greeting card industry	Hallmark, American Greetings

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote the first Valentine’s Day card?

Charles, Duke of Orleans, wrote the first known Valentine’s Day message in 1415 while imprisoned in England.

Where is the original first Valentine’s card kept?

The original manuscript is preserved in the British Library, London, under MS Arundel 213.

Did Saint Valentine send the first valentine?

No credible historical evidence supports this claim; it is a later legend without documentation.

When did Valentine’s Day cards become popular?

They gained popularity in the 18th century in Britain and exploded in the U.S. during the 1850s due to commercial production.

Can I view the first Valentine’s Day card online?

Yes, digitized versions of Charles of Orleans’ writings are accessible via the British Library’s website.