Cupid Cherub of Love

Cupid (means desire in Latin cupido) in Roman mythology considered the god of erotic love and beauty. In Latin he is called "Amor" and is the product of the goddess of love Venus and messenger of god Mercury. In Greek mythology he was christened Eros. Cupid has been depicted as a winged Cherub or and beautiful young man. A Cherub; is an angel or winged creature, I think this attribute was given to Cupid because of his ability to fly and make himself invisible when the need arose in stories of mythology.

The god Cupid is generally depicted in sculptures of old as a winged boy or baby figure equipped with bow and a quiver of arrows. Some sculptures depict him with two sets of arrows one set with golden heads symbolizing love, the another with lead heads symbolizing hate.

It is said that Cupid was empowered with more power than his mother. This is due to his dominion over the dead in Hell, all creatures of the sea and gods in Olympus. Some cults that pay homage to Cupid said he was the son of Night and hell, mated with Chaos to produce both men and gods, so that they would be off-springs of love.

The story of Cupid and Psyche

Cupid / Eros was responsible for man and animal marrying, falling in love and mating. In this world of gods and goddesses is a mortal princess whose beauty is beyond comparison, her name is Psyche (Greek meaning breath). Venus is made jealous by the beauty of this mortal, and commands her son to touch her nemesis with his arrow of love. This is so that she will hopelessly fall in love with the most vile creature on Earth (already in put in place my the envious Venus).

Unfortunately, when Cupid looks upon the beauty he is instantly smitten and fears she was born too beautiful for her own safety. He makes himself invisible, slowly approaches the beauty leaning over her he startles her. Psyche immediately awakens and looks straight into Cupid's eyes, even though he is invisible, this action causes him to scratch himself with his arrow and he instantly falls in love with the beautiful princess.

Psyche and Venus' curse

Cupid's love for Psyche infuriates his mother Venus. She places a curse on Psyche that prevents her from finding a suitable husband .. ever. This action upsets Cupid so much that he decides to shoot no more arrows so that no man or animal will fall in love or mate.

This action will cause the Earth to grow old which is of great concern to Venus. Immediately, the curse is lifted and Cupid releases his arrows so that the Earth will grow young again with love.

The couples love story is interwoven with conflict, mortal interference, lies and deceit, but in the end Cupid and Psyche are brought together as one by Jupiter (Zeus). Who declares it is his will that Cupid marry Psyche. Psyche is brought to Mount Olympus and is given a drink of ambrosia, which gives her immortality. Psyche and Cupid produce a daughter they name Voluptas or Delight, the goddess of sensual pleasures (in Latin means pleasure or bliss).

Cupid and Valentines day

Cupid was a Greek / Roman mythical creature, because of his powers to rejuvenate the earth with love Cupid will be forever known in today's mythology as the angel of love. Flitting from one couple to another spreading whats known as "love at first sight" on this very special day.

Today Cupid / Eros is a portrayed as an Cherub with wings, arrows, quiver and diaper. Our interpretations leave out the very intricate details of Cupid and Psyche love for each other. I think though that Cupid represents the love we as mankind should have for each other and that love is the ingredient that replenishes each human being and the Earth.

Some feel our modern day interpretations have cheapened love. But it is up to the individual to look past the commercialism and bring forth the true meaning of love. Love for each other as human beings and love for this planet we call Earth. Those who are blessed enough to find that soul-mate or special someone should be grateful and cherish the relationship.

In today's world that kind of love is very hard to find. For most us there aren't enough hours in the day so it's good we can set aside a day to show and tell each other just how much the other party means to you. You can say it with flowers, poems, letters, a hub or just set some time aside for each other. But please say it.