Valentine’s Day is this weekend, which means everyone has a chance to get struck by Cupid’s arrow.
Most people associate Cupid with Valentine’s Day, but they don’t know his story. Cupid comes from the Latin word cupido, or “desire.” In Roman mythology, Cupid’s parents are Venus, goddess of love, and Mercury, the messenger god. It only makes sense that Cupid attempts to deliver the message of love to others.
However, he was not always angelic. Cupid enjoyed being mischievous and pairing odd couples together to see what would happen. This backfired on him when he fell in love with a human, Psyche. His mother sent him to punish Psyche for being too beautiful. The moment Cupid saw Psyche’s beauty, he could do no harm to her. He visited her at night to conceal his identity. Psyche’s sisters convinced her he must be a monster if he could not show himself. Psyche tried to sneak up on Cupid and angered him. She felt so bad that she begged Venus to let her marry Cupid. After performing numerous difficult tasks, Psyche was allowed to wed Cupid. They even had a child named Pleasure.
It is also rumored that Cupid was born from a silver egg. He is usually depicted as a baby wearing just a diaper and maybe a sash, holding a bow and arrow. One reason why a baby is doing the love archery is another Roman myth. Venus complained to the god of law and justice that her son never grew older. The god said it was from being isolated from other children. Once Venus had a second son, Anteros, Cupid became older and stronger. Perhaps Cupid is usually seen as a baby because babies represent the combination of two people in love. In Greek mythology, his mother is Aphrodite. Cupid is the equivalent to the gods Amor and Eros, depending on which myths are told. He is represented by the symbol of two hearts with an arrow piercing through them.
There have been many songs involving Cupid over the years. Gym Class Heroes claim “Cupid has them in a chokehold”. There is a rapper who calls himself Cupid, bringing a new dance to high school homecomings and proms titled “Cupid Shuffle”. Cupid says “it don’t matter if you’re young or old.” Anyone can do the Cupid Shuffle. Just like anyone at all ages can fall in love in time for this Valentine’s Day.
Cupid is to Valentine’s Day as Santa is to Christmas or a bunny is to Easter. Although Cupid does not leave presents or eggs full of candy
on Feb. 14, he might bring that special someone. Will it be “love at first sight” or “love at first arrow?”
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The Story Behind Cupid’s Bow
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