VALENTINE

special form of greeting card exchanged in observance of St. Valentine's Day (February 14), a day set aside as a lovers' festival. The custom has no connection with the two St. Valentines or with known incidents in their lives. It is probable that the valentine was the first of all greeting cards. The paper valentine dates from the 16th century; by 1800 hand-painted copperplates were produced to meet large demands. These were followed by woodcuts and lithographs.