St. Valentine’s Customs: Carols, Buns, Gifts

Valentine’s Carols:: British Isles: Children get candy or money for singing songs on Valentine’s Day. Custom started in 17th century. (3)
Valentine’s Buns:: England: Special valentine buns are baked with raisins, caraway seeds, and plum filling. (3)
Valentine’s Gifts:: England: Common gifts are jewels, gloves, silk stockings, flowers, garters, hankerchiefs, and paperweights. In 1767 it became the custom to leave a valentine love letter at the door. Little books called Valentine’s writers helped men to write poetry and sentimental verses. Scotland: A Lover’s Knot is given made of ribbon or paper. Wales: Spoons are given to women as engagement gifts. (1, 2, 3)