by Nancy Rosin
Source: The Ephemera Society of America

Elaborate Paper-cut, American, ca. 1825.

2. The Origin of Saint Valentine’s Day
To do this briefly is a challenge! The early history of St. Valentine’s Day has two separate aspects, and there are several versions of the origin of the holiday. The generally accepted story states that during the reign of the Emperor Claudius II, there was a Priest in Rome who befriended young couples, and encouraged them to marry. This infuriated the Emperor, who felt that a married soldier would not give his primary allegiance to him, but to his wife! The Priest, Valentinus, was ordered to cease these actions, but he persisted in ministering to the young lovers, and even attempted to convert the Emperor to Christianity! Angered at this, the Emperor sentenced Valentinus to be beheaded. While awaiting his execution, it is said that he befriended the blind daughter of the jailer, and even restored her sight. It is also written that on the eve of his execution, he wrote a note to this young girl, which he simply signed, “Your Valentine” — and that, in the year 276 AD, is believed to have been the very first Valentine!

In that early era in Rome, there existed many popular Pagan customs, celebrated at festivals such as The Feast of Lupercalia — basically “the rites of spring”. During the celebration, “lots” were drawn from an urn on a sacred altar of love, and the selected name would be the lover, or partner for the year. Because there was feasting, dancing and raucous merrymaking, it was an exceptionally popular festival. When the Romans occupied Britain, they carried their Pagan customs with them — including this popular Feast of Lupercalia. As Christianity began to take hold in England, a great effort was made to banish these customs. This festival occurred at the same time of year as the martyrdom of the patron of lovers, Valentinus, and since it would have been very difficult to ban such a popular feast, the name was changed to honor that Saint. Thus, Saint Valentine’s Day became the reinvention of this old Pagan holiday!

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This is a five-part article. Stay tuned during the rest of the week for the continuation. Tomorrow: The History and Evolution of the Valentine. In the meantime, if you’re looking for great Valentine’s Day gifts, check out Karen’s Collectors Cottage!

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by Nancy Rosin
Source: The Ephemera Society of America

Biedermeir style of love-offering/friendship card.
Made by Johannes Endletzberger, Vienna, ca. 1820.

Paper collectibles are often known as “ephemera” – a broad word used to include items, which were meant to be “ephemeral”, or not long lasting, and often discarded. While Valentines are included in this broad category, I truly believe that most were intended to be cherished and saved — and never meant to have a transitory quality. Collectors and historians recognize the importance of this memorabilia in adding the personal details to history. Learning about people and events by studying such treasures is a key to completing the picture of the people who lived through those events. In reading a love note so carefully and beautifully written in Spencerian script on the interior page of a delicate Valentine, or perhaps simply by holding in your hand a primitive fraktur of the Pennsylvania Germans, one discovers a common denominator, that they were created out of love, cherished, saved, and handed down to us as nearly-sacred mementos. I can’t think of a more wonderful thing to collect! Additionally, their broad range provides opportunities for collectors of all levels, interests, and pocketbooks.

Elaborate English Valentine, openwork
cameo-embossed lace paper.
Made by Meek, ca. 1840.

The challenge of finding representative examples became a driving force in the creation of my truly comprehensive collection. To say that it was a passion is an understatement! It became a hobby shared with my husband during our antique journeys around the country, and once the children were grown, a reason for a number of European explorations to auctions and flea markets! Starting with a small display in a wall case at our local elementary school, and an article written about it by a school parent for a shopper newspaper, my interest became further encouraged. I developed programs and displays as the hobby took on a life of its’ own! Now, many years later, the numerous magazine articles and major events have enabled me to share the passion with an increasingly fascinated audience. People don’t realize that Valentine’s Day was such a significant social event, enjoyed by every strata of society, and celebrated extensively. Businesses thrived on it, as they capitalized on the passion of the population by creating a wide array of Valentine articles. Gifts of jewelry, lingerie, perfume, fans, and magnificent Valentines on elegant lace paper – as well as scathing satire on cheap paper for another audience — were only some of the options. Handmade cut-paper or collages of woven hair and silk ribbons, hand-embellished watch papers to set within the case of a pocket watch, and shell-encrusted fantasies brought by sailors from distant shores – are just a few of the Valentine treasures one can still find.

Famous artists such as Francesco Bartolozzi, George Cruikshank, Walter Crane, Kate Greenaway, Winslow Homer, Grace Drayton, Frances Brundage – and numerous others — designed wonderful Valentines. Movie themes such as the Disney cartoon characters and the Wizard of Oz are delightful additions to collections and add a unique perspective, while helping to enlarge the scope to include the modern Valentine.

Especially popular now are the die-cut open-out Valentines from the turn of the century, with their honeycomb tissue and delightful chromo-lithographed images of everything from the emerging transportation motif to adorable children and moveable fans! It is a wonderful category, which is a popular collecting destination. I can’t think of another subject that provides such a variety of things to find – or which possesses such a long and fascinating history. For me, collecting is a great source of pleasure, with the search, the find, the acquisition, and lastly — the sharing of the treasure, providing the essential encouragement.

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This is a five-part article. Stay tuned during the rest of the week for the continuation. Tomorrow: The Origin of Saint Valentine’s Day.

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by Brenda Hyde
Source: Old Fashioned Living

I’ve been collecting teacups and teapots for at least 20 years now. I love them all, and look for bargains whenever I can, plus I splurge on new items now and then too. Today I have tips on the type of teacups you might find and a few on storage and care.

Porcelain or China?

When you see descriptions you find that porcelain and bone china is often mentioned. Porcelain is fired, then glazed, and fired again, which allows for a very refined dish. The designs are often very detailed and dainty. Bone china is made similar to porcelain, but finely ground bone ash is added to the clay. It’s considered the strongest china and is very white. Fine china or fine ivory china is also very strong and similar to the bone china. Sometimes it will be strengthened with special treatments. Casual china is something other than bone or fine. It could be stoneware or earthenware, and you’ll notice it’s heavier, not as dainty.

Types of Teacups

There are many types of teacups available. The teacups we tend to use for the traditional afternoon tea are the footed cup and the flat teacup. The footed cup which usually has a saucer, can be used for coffee or tea. It has design where the cup is shaped at the bottom like a pedestal–it will fit into the saucer, which should be indented.

Flat cups will also most likely have a matching saucer, but are flat on the bottom, instead of shaped. These can also be used for coffee or tea as well.

Often you’ll see Demitasse cups and saucers, which are lovely, but traditionally are used for expresso or Turkish coffee. They are much smaller, and work well for childrens’ tea parties. Tea and coffee mugs come in all shapes and sizes, and are especially nice for breakfast tea. They are informal and I love looking for whimsical designs to add to my collection.

Teacup Care

Never stack your cups more than two high, and if you have room, it’s better not to stack. Place soft cloth between the cups if you do store them where they will be touching.

China shouldn’t be washed in the dishwasher, especially if it’s vintage. Newer designs will often say they are dishwasher safe, but if you plan on keeping them in the family and handing them down later, it’s best to handwash with a gentle dishsoap and dry with a soft towel.

If you display your tea pieces be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight, and gently wash them twice a year or so. Better yet, it’s nice to rotate the ones you use!

A note on metallic trim, which is found on some teacups. These should never be placed in the microwave. If the trim tarnishes you can use a silver cleaner on it, but VERY gently.

One more note on collecting: Expensive tea sets are beautiful, but be sure if you spend the money to own a nice set that you use it. It doesn’t truly become special until you have memories to go along with it!

Shop now for teacups at Karen’s Collector’s Cottage.

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