The Month of Love

What’s the story behind Valentine’s Day? How did Cupid become part of this celebration of love? No, it’s not a plot from greeting card companies or confectioners. The answer is an interesting combination of Greek and Roman mythology with the legend of a Christian martyr added into the story.

In Greek mythology, Eros was a powerful, handsome young man who used golden arrows to ignite love (or hate) in gods or mortals. The Romans adopted Eros as Cupid, youthful and depicted with wings. The transformation of Cupid to a cherub happened in Renaissance Art and became more innocent and playful.

Saint Valentine was a Roman priest during the third century and ministered to the faithful during the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. He defied Emperor Claudius II and secretly married couples to keep husbands from being conscripted into the Roman army. One legend has it that he healed the blind daughter of his jailer and left her a letter signed “your Valentine.” True or not, the story has persisted. When he tried to convert Claudius to Christianity and would not renounce his own faith, Valentine was sentenced to die and executed on February 14, 269.

Cupid’s connection to Valentine’s Day has Roman roots to Lupercalia, a fertility celebration in mid-February where Cupid as a god of desire became associate with love and matchmaking. During the Medieval period a day for lovers emerged through the works of poets like Shakespeare. The Victorian era brought a tradition of exchanging valentines, and Cupid with arrows became a central figure. This trend exploded with the mass production of cards in the 19th century.

Which brings us to today and the overwhelming choices of valentines to buy like the ones pictured above whether contemporary or Victorian in design. The valentine below is a treasure that I have shared in a previous blog. It belonged to my grandmother Emma, and I would guess it dates circa 1910. I set it out every Valentine’s Day.

I usually don’t fuss over Valentine’s Day, but this year seems different. The news around our country has been intense the past weeks. It might help for all of us to find ways to reach out and extend friendship, love and grace to each other. Maybe a valentine is a way to do that.

Let me close with a special group of ladies, an Overland Park book club where I spoke last month. What a warm, engaging group of women who love to read and discuss and share delicious food! Thank you for welcoming me and reading Lila’s Journey. You can find Kindle and other formats here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4ND9NWN/ref=

Have a special Valentine’s Day. Until next time . . .