Whether you’re happily paired or happily flying solo, Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Surely celebrating the love in your life deserves a day all it’s own.

Though, it wasn’t always pink hearts and goo-goo eyes. The feast of the now infamous Saint Valentine began as a liturgical celebration of the Christian saints named Valentinus. It wasn’t until the High Middle Ages that the day was first associated with the growing tradition of courtly love. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion on which lovers exchanged confectionery, presented flowers and exchanged hand-written cards to express their affections for one another. A bit more lighthearted than the death of imprisoned martyrs, but then, we all have a past.

And here, some beautiful examples of gorgeous, vintage Valentines. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to whip out the scissors and glue and create a lacy, love letter of your own?

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A step up from a Hallmark card, yes?

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Or, if you’re not particularly crafty, cake is always acceptable. Below, examples of Valentine’s in modern form: sugar.

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Grateful for love (and for dessert), Abbey