101 years ago, Valentine's Day was an occasion to send greetings to one another. In fact, the day was established in 496 AD, but "The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished".
Today and for the next couple of days, A Plethora of Postcards will feature Valentines from my friend's collection of holiday postcards (postcards from her collection have been featured here, here, here, here, here, here, and here and elsewhere) with all cards being from around 1907-1912. The one above is from 1909.
She and I cannot figure out what the heck is going on in this Valentine. Has the woman captured Cupid, and stolen his tools because she wants him? Does she want to use his tools in capturing the heart of someone else? She appears to be taunting Cupid, who does not look happy at all. Is this an early example of stalking type behavior?
Anybody have any thoughts on an interpretation of this card, and what it might be communicating to the recipient?