How Cupid Became the Face of Love

Happy Valentine’s Day! Often associated with hearts and Cupid, Valentine’s Day is the one day every year when people are expected to go above and beyond to showcase their love for one another. Over time, people have begun to associate the love they show with a beloved baby, Cupid. What few people know is why Cupid is the face of this lovely holiday.

Before his life as a baby, Cupid, named Eros, was described as the world’s most powerful man. He was an unbeatable man who caused disaster at will. During this period, he would play with the hearts of mortals to cause mischief within their love lives. As he evolved, he became known as the god who would use his great power to make people fall in love.

While making him a god of lovemaking was widely preferred over his earlier mischievous ways, it was disliked that he was portrayed as a masculine figure. So, they changed his name to Cupid and depicted him as a little kid. His name now translates to Desire, which fits the role he plays every February 14th.

In the 1800s, as Valentine’s Day became commercialized, Cupid appeared on greeting cards and quickly became the holiday’s face. So, while many people know Cupid as a symbol of the holiday, few know where he originated.