To My True Love, circa 1910. American Valentine

To My True Love, circa 1910. American Valentine card. Cupid dances on grass with naturalised Snowdrops and is playing a lyre of Bluebells. Above him are red hearts symbolising love and four-leafed Shamrock for luck. In the language of flowers the Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) stand for Consolation and the Blueball (Scilla noscripta) for Kindness. Shamrock or Wood Sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is a symbol of Ireland. 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

Acetosella Bluebells Candidates Celebrated Consolation Convert Cupid Dances Galanthus Identity Kindness Language Lupercalia Lyre Martyred Naturalised Nivalis Oxalis Pagan Replaces Scilla Shamrock Snowdrop Snowdrops Sorrel Symbolising Terni Uncertain

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