Valentine s Day, celebrated every February 14, is more than just chocolates and roses. This day of love dates back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was held. It was believed that this festival protected people from wolves and made them fertile. Later, the Catholic Church replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine s Day. The day was named after Saint Valentine, a priest who went against the emperor s orders by secretly marrying couples. Today, Valentine s Day is symbolized by hearts, roses, and Cupid. The heart, an organ which pumps blood around the body, became a symbol of love due to an ancient belief that it was the center of all emotions. Roses, particularly red ones, became associated with love because they were the favorite flower of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. And Cupid? He s the Roman god of love and desire who, according to the myth, makes people fall in love by shooting them with his magical arrows. Did you know the oldest known Valentine s Day card is over 500 years old? Or that teachers receive the most Valentine s Day cards? Now that s love!