Issue date: 14 Feb, 2021
VALENTINE’S DAY
Many theories surround the origin of Saint Valentine's Day.
Many of them point to the Roman Emperor Claudius II “Gothicus”, who forbade his soldiers to marry, believing that it would make them soft and unable to defend the Empire.
A priest called Valentine, well aware that there is no stopping love, decided to conduct weddings in secret.
The legend tells that after he was discovered, he was martyred and executed on 14 February, which became his Saint’s Day, and by extension a celebration of romantic love.
But where does Cupid come from? This isn’t entirely clear either. Cupid was the pagan god of sexual love and the power of attraction. Legend had it that he was capricious and had fun shooting his arrows of love into people at random. However, there was no festival relating to him around 14 February.
What does seem to be well-documented is the commercial origins of the modern Valentine’s Day, which began in the 19th century with the first cards which lovers could buy and send to each other.
This year Correos is issuing a stamp to mark this day, so closely associated with the postal service, when lovers and secret admirers send love letters and cards.
The design of this romantic stamp consists of a fun, cheerful, but appropriately amorous illustration. Pastel colours combine with red, the colour of love, to form an attractive composition.
This year’s Valentine cards will be accompanied by a stamp which will hint at the message of love in the envelope.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.