The mascot of Valentine's Day, Cupid, originated in Greek Mythology.  Said to be the son of Venus, goddess of love, he is also known as Eros.

A myth was born that a wound from one of Cupid's arrows caused all and any to fall in love.  So when a beautiful mortal princess named Psyche raised the beast of jealousy in Venus, she decided to punish her for her extraordinary beauty and ordered Cupid to make her fall in love with an ugly person.

Startled by her loveliness, Cupid pricked himself with his own arrow and fell completely in love with Psyche.  Even though they became husband and wife, Cupid told her that she could never look at him or he would have to leave her.

In desperation, the young bride crept into Cupid's room one night with a lighted lamp.  Stunned by the beauty of the handsome god, she spilled a drop of hot oil onto his shoulder.  Cupid awoke and vanished.

Grief stricken, Psyche went to Venus and begged to see her husband again.  Venus commanded that she perform three very difficult tasks.  She attempted to complete all of them, but the last one took her life.

Cupid revived his wife and then went to Zeus (god of all gods) and begged him to make Venus forgive both of them.  He did.  He also granted immortality to Psyche so that the lovers could spend eternity together.

It is thought that Cupid represents the heart and Psyche the human soul.  Her tasks, failures, sorrows and struggles show the challenges the soul encounters throughout a lifetime.

The Greek word "Psyche" means soul.

Usually portrayed as a chubby cherub with golden wings carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows, Cupid represents the ageless concept of love and its unpredictability.

Happy Valentine's Day!