Cupid is known to all as a Valentine's day tradition, but how did he become that way? Mythology and research shines the light on why Cupid appears the way he does.
A woman once told her friends that she fell in love with her boyfriend of three years at a junior high dance. Their eyes met and she melted; hoping in her heart that he felt the same.
A situation like this may be referred to as "Love at First Sight." Also- to the non dreamers- it seemed impossible. It seemed that "love's arrows" hit them, which was thought to be the result of Cupid watching, playing these sensuous mind games with their hearts, as he often is known to do.
There are different representations of Cupid, the most common one known being the Valentine's mascot.
Mythology
Cupid in Mythology (Roman) is the god of love and sex. (A.k.a. Eros, Kama, and Amor.) Cupid is derived from Latin, "cupido" meaning "desire." Some traditions say he was born from a silver egg. However, he is not all lovey-dovey, Cupid has two sides to him.
Multiple Personalities of Cupid
- The son of Zeus and Venus. Enjoys playing jokes on people and spreading love. Uses gold arrows.
- The son of Nyx and Erebus. This is the evil side of cupid. Typically uses the leaded types of arrows. This side is not as well known.
Cupid in Art
Cupid is almost always depicted in art as a nude boy, with arrows and a bow. At times he is at play in works of art, shown with his mother while she is playing a horn, or as if in combat against love (as war.) Almost always he is depicted with two kinds of arrows. Gold headed and lead headed; gold for falling in love, and lead for falling into hatred.
In literature Cupid is described as perverse and irresponsible. The most popular story involving Cupid is called Cupid and the Phsyche.
Another mythological story is that of Apollo and Daphne who are said to be brought together not by their own actions, but by Cupid's magic itself.
Cupid and Valentine's Day
More often than not, Cupid is shown as a baby with wings, but a bit more caricaturized for Valentines day. The arrow in this situation often has a heart for the tip. In this simple story that everyone seems to know, Cupid hits the victim with his arrow and the victim falls in love with the next person he looks at.
In present day celebrations Cupid seems to have been forgotten, put aside. Everyone seems to know about the "struck by Cupid's arrow" equaling "love at first sight," but don't seem to talk about Cupid himself anymore.
All in all, Cupid is known as a joker, but more than just a cheesy Valentine's day symbol. Cupid is always watching, ready to play with any old heart that comes along. The next time a friend tells says it's love at first sight, educate them on the history of Cupid. Perhaps they were struck by his golden arrows.
