Cupid

Cupid and Flowers Attributed to Charles Lutyens (1829-1915)

Cupid, known in Roman mythology as the god of desire, love, and attraction, has his roots in even older Greek myths. In Greek mythology, he is Eros, one of the primordial gods born from Chaos, symbolizing the force of love that brings order to the cosmos.

In later traditions, Eros is depicted as the son of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and Ares, the god of war, and is depicted carrying a bow and quiver filled with arrows. Depending on the situation, this mischievous god would shoot his golden arrows to pierce hearts to inspire either passion or disinterest in mortals and gods. According to legend, Cupid was armed with two types of arrows, one golden with dove feathers and the other lead with owl feathers, and both could affect both mortals and gods, and he reveled in the chaos he caused.

One of the most famous tales involving Cupid is his love story with Psyche, a mortal princess. Here, Cupid accidentally pricks himself with his arrow and falls in love with Psyche, leading to a series of trials and tribulations before they can unite, a story symbolizing the often tumultuous journey of love. Cupid's influence extends beyond ancient myths into art, literature, and modern celebrations of love, most notably Valentine's Day.

Cupid was a frequent figure in medieval and Renaissance art, often depicted in scenes of pastoral love or as a playful, sometimes naughty, child. His image was used to explore themes of love's capricious nature, pain, and joy. In contemporary culture, Cupid remains a symbol of love, often appearing in Valentine's Day decorations, greeting cards, and even in popular media. His image has been commercialized, yet his essence as a bringer of love remains intact, embodying the human fascination with the mysteries of affection and attraction.

Cupid appears in many folk traditions. In some European traditions, lovers might look to the stars or the new moon, asking Cupid to bless their union. As Valentine’s Day grew in popularity in the 18th century, the endearing image of a young Cupid was a natural fit and starred on the mass-produced cards that appeared in the 1800s. Cupid evolved from a Roman sower of discord and passion.

Victorian Greeting Card