Cupid and Valentine's Day - A Legend Continues
When you think of Valentine's Day, there are many stories and traditions that come to mind. One of the most famous symbols of the holiday is cupid. Cupid continues to be referenced in modern times; yet, his presence in mythology is by no means a recent occurrence.
Cupid and Valentine's Day have been associated together for a long time-ever since the ancient Greeks and Romans were around! In fact, the word "cupid" stems from the Latin word cupido, which means desire. The association between Cupid and Valentine's Day comes from a specific legend that has been passed down for thousands of years.
Legend and Lore
The main reason that Cupid is associated with Valentine's Day in modern times is because the story of Cupid is one of love. Cupid was said to have fallen in love with Psyche, a mortal. He married her, but she was forbidden to look at him. One day she disobeyed these orders, and Cupid ran away from her. To be reunited with Cupid, Psyche paid a visit to Venus, Cupid's mother. After making her undergo several tests, Venus reunited Psyche and Cupid. Eventually, according to the story, Cupid and Psyche gave birth to a child named pleasure.
Other legends are in circulation about Cupid's arrows. It is said that whoever is struck by Cupid's arrow immediately falls in love with the next person they see. Supposedly, this is how Venus came to fall in love with the god Adonis. Cupid's arrows are either golden or leaden. A golden arrow represents true love, while a leaden arrow represents wanton and lust. Sometimes, Cupid is even said to carry a torch. This torch is supposedly used to light passion between a man and a woman.
Then and Now
The Cupid associated with Valentine's Day is quite different in appearance from the Cupid we think of today. Nowadays, Cupid is represented as a winged, naked boy carrying a bow and arrow. Though this image of Cupid complies with the idea of Valentine's Day, it differs greatly from the Cupid of the Greek and Roman legends. This Cupid was said to be very mischievous and naughty.
A Fun Fairy Tale
Almost everyone knows that there is no such thing as a Cupid with magic arrows that can control the love and passion of mortals. Yet sometimes, especially around Valentine's Day, some people find it nice to think that such a myth could bring them their chance at love.
