Where would a name like Valentine come from? It isn't really a name anymore - it is a "thing" - a card or gift on the specific day of Valentine's. However, it is also a sweetheart that is chosen on Valentine's Day.
Vanlentine originates as a name - a unisex given name. It is derived from the Roman family name Valentinus - from valens, meaning strong and healthy. It turns out to be the name of a few Saints who were martyred and are commemorated along with Saint Valentine from the third century. Supposedly he died on February 14th. I say that wondering how 3rd century documents on dates can match up with our current calendar.
And how does a cupid come into the scene for Valentine's Day? Cupid comes from Roman mythology, son of Venus who was the goddess of love and beauty. Would Venus still be with us today given she's a goddess - and I should write "is the goddess of love and beauty." His representation as a little boy can be traced.
The Italian painter Raphael who was known for creating characters called "putti" - they looked like male babies or toddlers. They represented the presence of pure love around people - often with wings like angels. Cupid started out as being portrayed as a young man - but he got "converted" to being a baby or young child, and often with angelic wings.
Cupid is a little angel-like boy - but that isn't a "cherub". Cherubs were known as cherubim. That was a heavenly "rank" and have the role to protect God's heavenly glory. This religious designation got swept up into being associated with Cupid and similar depictions.
The through line from St. Valentine the martyr to celebrating Romantic love is still to be outlined - I think we might accord that to Chaucer.
In the meantime, let's enjoy a few more Ringling Circus images.
