A Guide to the Gods of Love Around the World
Love is a universal force, and throughout history, cultures around the world have celebrated this profound emotion by honoring deities associated with love, passion, desire, and beauty. Here is a florist guide to some of the most prominent gods and goddesses of love from various mythologies and cultures.
1. Aphrodite (Greek Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, beauty, and passion.
Symbols: Roses, doves, myrtles, and shells.
Myth: Aphrodite was born from the sea foam and is often associated with tales of romance, such as her affair with Ares, the god of war, and her role in the Trojan War (through the golden apple given by Paris).
Legacy: Her Roman counterpart is Venus.
2. Venus (Roman Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, beauty, and fertility.
Symbols: Pearls, swans, and mirrors.
Myth: Venus was central to Roman culture and was considered the divine ancestor of the Roman people through her mortal son, Aeneas.
Modern Influence: Venus remains an icon of love and beauty in art and literature.
3. Cupid (Roman Mythology) / Eros (Greek Mythology)
Role: God of desire and romantic love.
Symbols: Bow and arrows, wings, and torches.
Myth: Known for shooting arrows to incite love or aversion, Cupid’s most famous story involves his love for Psyche.
Legacy: Cupid is a popular symbol of Valentine’s Day.
4. Freyja (Norse Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war.
Symbols: Cats, falcons, and amber.
Myth: Freyja’s tears turned to gold, and she was associated with the practice of seidr (magic). She was also a warrior, choosing half of the slain in battle for her hall, Folkvangr.
Legacy: Freyja is a multifaceted goddess representing both the tenderness of love and the ferocity of battle.
5. Kama (Hindu Mythology)
Role: God of love, desire, and pleasure.
Symbols: Sugarcane bow and flower-tipped arrows.
Myth: Kama once disrupted Shiva’s meditation and was burned to ashes by Shiva’s third eye. He was later reborn as Pradyumna, Krishna’s son.
Legacy: Kama is celebrated during festivals like Holi, which honor love and passion.
6. Rati (Hindu Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, passion, and sexual pleasure.
Symbols: Lotus flowers.
Myth: Rati is Kama’s consort and is often depicted aiding him in spreading love and desire.
7. Oshun (Yoruba Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, fertility, and beauty.
Symbols: Rivers, gold, and honey.
Myth: Oshun is one of the Orishas, divine spirits in Yoruba culture, and is revered as a healer and a source of life and sweetness.
Legacy: Celebrated in many Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Brazilian traditions, such as Santería and Candomblé.
8. Xochiquetzal (Aztec Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, fertility, and flowers.
Symbols: Flowers, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Myth: Xochiquetzal was considered the protector of young mothers and lovers. She also presided over festivities and art.
Legacy: She embodies the joy and creativity of love.
9. Hathor (Egyptian Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, beauty, music, and motherhood.
Symbols: Cows, mirrors, and the sistrum (a musical instrument).
Myth: Hathor was a nurturing deity who provided joy and helped guide souls to the afterlife.
Legacy: Often compared to Aphrodite and Venus, Hathor represents the holistic aspects of love.
10. Astarte (Canaanite and Phoenician Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, fertility, and war.
Symbols: Stars, lions, and doves.
Myth: Astarte was worshiped as a powerful deity associated with both life-giving love and fierce passion.
Legacy: Her influence extended to Greek and Roman cultures, where she was associated with Aphrodite and Venus.
11. Tlazoltéotl (Aztec Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, fertility, and purification.
Symbols: Cotton and spinning tools.
Myth: Tlazoltéotl was both the bringer of desire and the cleanser of sins, symbolizing the duality of love and redemption.
12. Erzulie (Haitian Vodou)
Role: Spirit (lwa) of love, beauty, and femininity.
Symbols: Hearts, mirrors, and luxury items.
Myth: Erzulie is a compassionate and nurturing lwa, often petitioned for matters of the heart and personal relationships.
Legacy: Erzulie is venerated in Vodou rituals and ceremonies.
13. Ishtar (Mesopotamian Mythology)
Role: Goddess of love, war, and fertility.
Symbols: Lions, stars, and gates.
Myth: Ishtar’s descent into the underworld and her return symbolize cycles of love, death, and renewal.
Legacy: Ishtar influenced later deities like Astarte and Aphrodite.
14. Aphrodite Pandemos vs. Aphrodite Urania (Greek Mythology)
Role: Dual aspects of Aphrodite.
Pandemos: Represents earthly, physical love.
Urania: Represents spiritual and pure love.
Legacy: This duality highlights the multifaceted nature of love.
15. Anteros (Greek Mythology)
Role: God of requited love and the avenger of unrequited love.
Symbols: Golden wings and a spear.
Myth: Anteros was created by Aphrodite to be a companion to Eros, representing the balance of love.
The gods of love reflect the universal and multifaceted nature of love—passionate, spiritual, nurturing, and sometimes challenging. By exploring these deities, we gain insight into how cultures worldwide understand and celebrate this powerful force that binds humanity together.
