We thought it would be a good idea to look into the history of Cupid and how he came to represent the Valentine’s Day, which is just around the way.
The Roman god of love, Cupid, is frequently shown as a winged, cherubic youngster holding a bow and arrows. The celebration that honors love and passion, Valentine’s Day, has come to be associated with this image. But how did Cupid become connected to this celebration?
Valentine’s Day is named for Saint Valentine, a third-century Catholic priest. Legend has it that Saint Valentine was crucified because he secretly wed couples when Claudius II, the Roman Emperor, forbade marriage. According to legend, the holiday that bears his name was inspired by this gesture of love and sacrifice.
However, Valentine’s Day’s beginnings as a holiday honouring romantic love may be found in the High Middle Ages. The custom of courtly love was still prevalent at this period among European royalty. Chivalry, honor, and devotion to a woman were values that were emphasized in the courtly love code of conduct. It is thought that the festival of Valentine’s Day originated from this rule of conduct because it was frequently linked to the ideals of romantic love.
Valentine’s Day started to be specifically associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries. Poets and writers started to commemorate the day by creating poems and love notes in honour of their significant others. The event was also observed by the giving and receiving of gifts and signs of love, including jewellery, flowers, and chocolates.
It was during this time that Cupid became associated with Valentine’s Day. This image was thought to symbolize the power of love to strike the hearts of those it chooses, much like Cupid’s arrows. On holiday-related cards, presents, and decorations, he is frequently pictured. Couples frequently express their affection for one another by exchanging presents over the holiday season.
It’s interesting to see how Cupid has been portrayed throughout history in many civilizations. The God of Love is Eros in Greek mythology and Freyja in Norse mythology. But, especially in the Western culture, the image of Cupid has come to represent love everywhere.
Valentine’s Day is still observed as a day of devoted love and romance. The representation of Cupid continues to serve as a symbol of the importance of love in our lives. It serves as a reminder of the value of cherishing and fostering our relationships with one another as well as a day to celebrate the love we have for one another. Cupid’s symbol serves as a reminder to enjoy the love in our life, whether it manifests itself in a modest romantic gesture or not.
