Why Cupid?
Valentine’s Day is full of symbols of love. Hearts, flowers, chocolates, and bright red cookies line the aisles of stores, and lovesick couples fawn over each other while sipping champagne. However, one common icon of the holiday doesn’t make as much sense. The near-naked, chubby, weapon-yielding cherub, whose image graces walls and packages, is an odd symbol to represent love.
Cupid’s history began long ago in Roman mythology. The cupid of Rome was certainly different than the one we know today. He wore even less clothing, was less cute and chubby, and symbolized erotic love more than puppy love. However, this more masculine version of our happy love propagator still flew around shooting arrows, making many a happy lover. Since the demise of Rome, cupid has continued to flap away, never losing his popularity.
This enduring symbol of love will never cease to grace Valentine’s Day cards and annoy those who don’t have a date for the holiday. Though many claim to hate the armed infant who shoots the arrows of love, they may simply be in need of one of those arrows themselves.
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