1-148-870 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'To My True Love', American Valentine card, c1910. Cupid dances on grass with naturalised Snowdrops and is playing a lyre of bluebells. Above him are red hearts symbolising love and four-leafed Shamrocks for luck. In the language of flowers the snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) stands for consolation and the blueball (Scilla noscripta) for kindness. Shamrock or wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a symbol of Ireland. In Roman mythology Cupid was the son of Venus, goddess of love (Eros and Aphrodite in the Greek Pantheon). The identity of St Valentine is uncertain, the most popular candidates are Valentine, bishop of Terni (3rd century) or a Roman Christian convert martyred c270). St Valentine's Day, celebrated on 14 February, probably replaces the Roman pagan festival of Lupercalia.