Cupid (holiday character)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
This article or section may contain original research or unattributed claims. Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the talk page for details. |
Cupid is a holiday character and symbol usually represtening Valentines Day and the emotion of love. Cupid is based on the god of Roman mythology of the same name, but has undergone many changes. Cupid in this usage is not tied to any religion and is not generally considered to be a god.
The most common representations of cupid include a chubby baby with wings and a bow and arrow. Sometimes the arrow has a heart for it's tip. Cupid is most often seen nude or diapered. Cupid is sometimes blindfolded, symbolising the figure of speech, "love is blind."
Reinterpretation of the Cupid character may leave off any or all of the traditional details of the character, so long as the characters main purpose is to make or help people fall in love (or possibly become physically intimate).
Humourous interpretations may feature an obviously grown man but keeping the other traditional elements including the diaper.
Contents |
[edit] Differences from the mythical god
Cupid, as he appears on modern holday decorations differs in several important ways from the Cupid/Eros of mythology. Cupid of mythology grew to manhood and had romantic troubles of his own. The character of Cupid is usually seen to be asexual and not at all interested in love for himself. The cupid of myth of course didn't wear diapers. He is sometimes depicted with wings and bow and arrow, but I don't think that these are mentioned in the myths themselves.
[edit] Cupid Lore
It is said that if cupid's arrow hits you, you will fall hopelessly and madly in love with the next person you meet.
[edit] Etymology
Cupid comes from the verb cupio via the adjective form cupidus and noun form cupiditas. The verb means to love, desire, cupidus loving or desiring, and cupiditas, love or desire itself.
[edit] Figure of Speech
A person who is always "fixing up" friends on dates or trying to push two people together to make a love match is often referred to as "Cupid" or "playing cupid." No magical ability is implied. This figure of speech is a reference to the holiday character of Cupid.
[edit] Cupid on TV
In the TV show Charmed, "Cupid" is considered a job title which is held by more than one supernatural being who's job it is to help people find love. The show features two such supernatural beings, both men who are fully clothes and don't have wings or bow and arrow. The second Cupid went by the name of Coop and fell in love with one of the Charmed Ones, Pheobe and eventually married her.
Another TV show, "Cupid" features a character who claims to be Cupid and who seems to be falling in love with his therapist who is trying to cure him of what she sees as his delusion that he is a love god.
