ROMANCE

Love Lessons From OLD VALENTINES

When it comes to saying "I love you," sweet nothings from the past can provide prescient pointers for the present.

By Lisa Hix

From the ancient Romans' mid-February bacchanal called Lupercalia to the three saints named Valentine once recognized by the Catholic church, on up through billets-doux in the Victorian Age and ever since, lovers and admirers have been sending each other sweet missives on February 14. We've mined the history of these cards for valuable hints on how to best woo your love—with paper or in person.

1. PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL.

In the 15th century, nuns in Europe created devotional readings with delicate, knife-cut designs resembling lace. "We later see similar designs in valentines with lace borders," notes Nancy Rosin, president of the National Valentine Collectors Association. Lesson: It's the little things that count.

Photo, above: The Nancy Rosin Collection. Opposite: Diane Lambombarbe/Getty Images

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