Valentine Icons...

The following have been determined to be the most common Valentine Icons:

CUPID: In ancient Greece, he was know as Eros, the young son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. To the ancient Romans, he was Cupid and his mother, Venus. He is portrayed as a cute winged cherub. He carries arrows in a quiver. If a person is struck with one of Cupid's arrows, he is to fall deeply in love.

LOVE BIRDS: In the year 1381, Chaucer composed a poem. This poem was to honor the engagement between Richard II of England and Anne of Bohemia. Chaucer, in keeping with poetic tradition, associated a feast day with the occasion. In "The Parliment of Fowls", the mating season of birds, St. Valentine's Day and the Royal Engagement are linked. Thus the love birds became associated with this date.

GREETING CARDS: Over the centuries, the Valentine's Day holiday evolved. Exchanging hand-made cards had become very popular in England by the 18th Century. These cards were made of lace, ribbons, and featured hearts and Cupids. In time, these cards became mass produced and very popular. Cards during this holiday are sent to a wide array of people not only to our romantic interests. Cards are sent to children, parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends and myriad of others.

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