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[candy hearts]British/USA Valentines History   The Romans conquered much of Europe and brought Valentine’s Day with them. Love messages known as valentines were exchanged. The earliest valentine recorded in Britain is the verses of Chaucer. In the 1700s valentines were placed on friend’s doorsteps and given to men and women in England. Children sung valentines carols. Oliver Cromwell came to power, declared valentines immoral, and had them banned. By 1660 Valentine’s Day was restored. By 1800 commerical valentines became available. In America valentines accompany gifts such as flowers, candy, and perfume. (1, 2)
  1. Frank Staff, The Valentine and Its Origins, pg 10-12, New York: Frederick A. Praeger Pub.,© 1969
  2. Maymie R. Krythe, All About American Holidays, pg 41-46, USA: New York: Harper and Row,© 1962, ASIN: 0060030909
  3. Edna Barth, Hearts, Cupids, and Red Roses: The Story of the Valentine Symbols, pg 8-46, USA: New York: Seasbury Press,© 1974, © 1990, Econo-Clad Books; ISBN: 0808545817

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