1-148-875 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'True Love', American Valentine card, 1908. Cupid, his bow held aloft, rides a swallow, a bluebird of happiness. 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.