Horny History: “Comic” Valentines

It’s real history, as told by some horny dude in my inbox and me.

Is there a more perfect pair than modern day misogyny and this story that should be outdated but really isn’t?

What I mean by that is Happy Valentine’s Day.

continued below

Okay. Yeah. In retrospect I probably shouldn’t have said that if I wanted to keep him around a bit longer.

The good news is you get to see my absolute favorite valentine even bigger now.

Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove

“Pray do you ever mend your clothes, or comb your hair? Well, I suppose you’ve got no time, for people say, you’re reading novels all the day.”

Increased anonymity from postal service expansion only increased these cards being sent. Some may have truly been sent comically, but many were sent in the spirit of vengeance or mockery. The late 19th century saw violence as a result. There were reports of fighting, assaults, and even death, with these valentines as the motive. Police and postal workers in both America and Britain eventually intervened with cards deemed unfit to sell or send, helping lead to their decreased popularity. Comic valentines may be irrelevant, but not their sentiment. Oh no. We can find that same misogyny anonymously every day online.

Happy Valentine’s Day. ♥️

Sources:

The Fashioning of a Modern Holiday: St. Valentine's Day, 1840-1870 Leigh Eric Schmidt

‘The Valentine has fallen upon evil days’: Mocking Victorian valentines and the ambivalent laughter of the carnivalesque Annebella Pollen

Nothing Says ‘I Hate You’ Like a ‘Vinegar Valentine’ Becky Little

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Horny History: 17th Century Witches

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