The History of Cupid and Valentine's Day

Have you ever wondered about the history of Cupid and Valentine's Day? I know since taking an interest in writing fantasy romance, our little man Cupid has held something of a fascination for me. Below are just a couple of brief summaries of Cupid and Valentine's Day.

The History of Cupid

In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of love, and the son of Venus. In ancient Greece, he was known as Eros, son of Aphrodite.

According to Roman mythology, Venus became jealous of a beautiful maiden named Psyche. She ordered Cupid to punish the maiden. But Cupid fell in love with Psyche. The two married, but as a mortal she was forbidden to look at him. Pysche's sisters would later convince her to look at Cupid. When she did, Cupid punished her by leaving her. Their beautiful surroundings, including their castle and gardens, were gone too. Left with nothing, Psyche wandered in search of her lost love. She would eventually arrive at the temple of Venus, who wanted to destroy her.

Venus gave Psyche a series of tasks, each more dangerous than the last. For her final task, Psyche was sent to the underworld with a small box. She was told to use the box to collect some of the beauty of Proserpine, the wife of Pluto.

Psyche was warned not to open the box, but temptation would overcome her. When she opened the box, Psyche fell into a death-like sleep.

When Cupid found her lifeless on the ground, he woke her, and all was forgiven. The gods, moved by Psyche's love for Cupid, made her a goddess.

The History of Valentine’s Day

How did February 14 become a day for romance? Legend has it that during the third century, Valentine, who was a devout Christian, would perform marriages for young couples. Emperor Claudius II, however, banned marriage because he did not want young men getting married. He believed that single young men made better soldiers than men who were married; therefore he did not want his potential crop of soldiers to be depleted.

Valentine defied Claudius' ban on marriage and continued to perform marriages for young couples in secret. Once Claudius discovered what Valentine was doing, he ordered him put to death.

While Valentine was in jail awaiting his death, he left a goodbye note to a young girl who he was in love with. He signed the note, "From your Valentine," words that are often used today on Valentine's Day cards. It is widely believed that the young girl Valentine was in love with was also the daughter of Claudius. Valentine was put to death on February 14, 269 AD. Later, in 498 AD, Pope Gelasius declared Valentine to be the patron saint of lovers.

Over time, Valentine's Day became the day for couples to share messages of love with one another, as Valentine shared his message with the woman he loved. The day is celebrated with gifts,

flowers, candy, and cards for our loved ones.

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Sandie

The Sisterhood

I’m sitting here writing this blog and all the time thinking why am I doing this? Why am I even thinking about writing fantasy romance? CC, is writing paranormal, so it’s not like I won’t be writing something in the genre. The trouble is I’ve of a couple of sister who are fairies (or something along that line) visit me the last few weeks looking for their ideal man.You know me, never one to turn a character or two away. I have the very bare bones of the first novel, no title yet, which is unusual for me. The series at this point is titled ‘The Sisterhood’ (that could change), when I have more information I’ll do another post.

In the meantime, I have research to for a couple of historical novels, a time travel novel to do, plus this week’s homework for Paula Roe’s ‘A Novel in 3 Months’ and finish editing two novels. Not much to do at all. LOL.

Sandie