Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world as a day to honor love, with a variety of traditions and symbols. The holiday has evolved over centuries, incorporating numerous customs such as exchanging roses, heart-shaped gifts, chocolates, and candies. But have you ever wondered how these symbols came to be associated with this special day?

Cupid

One of the most recognizable symbols of Valentine’s Day is Cupid, a cherubic figure often depicted as a small, winged, and sometimes naked baby with a bow and arrow. According to tradition, Cupid shoots his arrows into people, causing them to fall in love with the first person they see. This is why people often say things like, “you have been struck by Cupid’s arrow” when describing someone who has suddenly fallen head over heels in love. However, the story of Cupid has deeper roots in ancient mythology.

Cupid, as we know him, is derived from the Roman god of love, but his origins can be traced back to Greek mythology. In Greek myths, the equivalent god of love is Eros, who is often depicted as a mischievous young figure armed with arrows that inspire love or aversion. The origins of Eros are a bit unclear, as some stories say he was born from the gods Nyx and Erebus, while others suggest he is the child of Aphrodite and Ares or even Iris and Zephyrus. Despite the varied accounts, there is no denying that Eros, like Cupid, holds a significant place in the mythological world of love.

In the Hellenistic era, Eros’ image shifted from a youthful, somewhat serious god to the playful, chubby-cheeked figure that we recognize today. The evolution of Eros into Cupid marked a turning point in how love was represented, and his iconic arrow-shooting became a symbol of the sudden and sometimes unpredictable nature of love.

Roses

Another key symbol associated with Valentine’s Day is the rose, a flower that has long been connected with love and beauty. Roses, particularly red ones, are seen as symbols of deep affection and passion, making them a perfect gift for expressing love. The rose’s connection to Valentine’s Day is not only due to its beauty but also its ability to convey feelings that words sometimes cannot.

Cards

The tradition of sending cards on Valentine’s Day began to gain popularity in the 18th century when handwritten notes of affection were exchanged between lovers. These notes eventually evolved into mass-produced printed cards. In 1900, the first commercial Valentine’s Day cards were manufactured, marking the beginning of the highly commercialized aspect of the holiday that we experience today. The evolution of these cards can largely be credited to Esther A. Howland, often referred to as the “Mother of the Valentine.” Howland pioneered the mass production of cards, decorating them with lace, ribbons, and other embellishments, which contributed to the popularity of card-giving on this day.

Today, Valentine’s Day is filled with gifts, decorations, and symbols like Cupid, roses, and heartfelt cards that all trace their origins to ancient customs and myths. These traditions, whether representing love through a simple card, a bouquet of roses, or the playful arrow of Cupid, have become enduring symbols of affection that bring joy to millions around the world every year.