In mythology, Cupid (or Eros as he was called by the Greeks) was the god of lust, love and intercourse. Stories differ on his parentage. Some say he was the son of Venus,goddess of love, and Mars, god of war. Others say that Poros (Plenty) and Penia (Poverty) conceived him at Venus's birthday celebration. Either way, Cupid and Aphrodite were usually shown together. Cupid harnessed the primordial force of love and directed it into mortals. He was known for being fickle, playful and a practical joker. He was also known for his archery skills and carried two sets of arrows: one for gold-headed for lust and the other lead-headed for hatred. It is said that if Cupid hits you with an arrow, you are hopelessly smitten with the next person you see. Cupid is an icon associated with the holiday Valentine's Day.
Cupid is often shown as blonde baby or child topped with a mop of curls and dressed in a diaper or nothing at all. He is also shown with wings and a bow and arrow. Although the original Cupid inspires lust or manufactured love, Cupid tattoos represent that you are on a dedicated search for or have found true love.
