By Samantha Huntington, Community Engagement Assistant
February 12, 2025
As we enter the month of love during our year of celebrating Jane Austen, you might wonder if the people of the Regency Era enjoyed a good Valentine’s Day card as much as we do today. The tradition of sending Valentine's cards had already been well established by the time of Austen's writing, and it continued to flourish during the Regency period. Suitors would send their sweethearts handmade letters that ranged from the simple to the beautifully ornate. The more elaborate Valentines wouldn’t just have poetry but include interactive and 3D elements.
This folding puzzle Valentine features several romantic messages that are revealed as you unfold it. One of the messages reads, “My Dear the heart which you behold/ Will break when you the same unfold/ Even so my heart with love sick pain/ Sure wounded is and breaks in twain.”
Silhouette Card
This card features a pin prick and embossed paper silhouette of a flower-covered bower. The message reads, “'Through Flora's gayest, freshest bowers/ The bees, that hover over the flowers/ From the brightest, loveliest neatest/ Know wisely where to choose the sweetest,/ No wonder then that instinct true/ Conducted them to-night to you.”
3D Paper Card
This beautifully crafted 19th-century Valentine features a square backing card with a delicate, interactive design. At first glance, a circular painting of a bird perched on a branch appears across an intricately cut, crisscrossed paper overlay. But the true magic happens when you pull the attached cord—transforming the flat design into a charming domed birdcage. Hidden beneath this whimsical 3D effect, two playful field mice are revealed, adding an unexpected and delightful surprise. A stunning example of vintage craftsmanship, this card captures the romance, creativity, and charm of the era.
Image source: Kemmisch's Annual and Universal Valentine Writer ... for 1805, etc
Guides for Crafting the Perfect Love Letter
Not everyone during the Regency period was a poet or a skilled wordsmith, and that’s where guides like Kemmish’s Annual and Universal Valentine Writer came to the rescue. These publications were packed with prewritten love letters, allowing anyone to express their affection with eloquence. They even included suggested responses, ensuring that no suitor was left fumbling for words.
Inspired by these Regency-era examples? Today, we still enjoy creating and personalizing our own Valentines. If you’re looking to add a special touch to your cards this year, consider the following resources:
As we celebrate Jane Austen this year, it’s wonderful to reflect on the romance, wit, and artfulness of the Regency Era. These Valentine’s cards, like Austen’s novels, remind us of the enduring power of love and affection, as well as the timeless joy of receiving a beautifully crafted message from the heart. Join us in Austen’s works all year!