1-148-871 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'If You'd Only Be My Valentine', American Valentine card, 1910. Cupid is gathering a basket of red hearts from a pine tree which, in the language of flowers represents daring. 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.