Valentine's Day might come across as cheesy 🧀 to some, but it's really just a day to celebrate love.
Whether it's the soul-deep connection between partners or the unconditional love between friends and family, love has the power to bring people together and make everlasting memories.
Speaking about everlasting... what things do you usually associate with lasting love? Obviously, wedding rings, lockets, and love letters (yes, mentally, we're still in the 1800s ??).
These objects serve as physical reminders of the deep emotional connection and commitment that exist between partners in a long-lasting relationship.
But there's another object that's often linked to eternal love: gold. Not only as a physical precious metal but also as a magical substance and… an apple. 🍎
Let’s dive in!
The glittering power of Cupid's golden arrow
We all know this mischievous winged boy carrying a bow and an arrow, but not just a simple one, but with a barbed golden tip.
Often causing chaos and confusion, Cupid was a real prankster who struck at the hearts of gods and mortals, often playing with their emotions.
In literature, art, and popular culture, the concept of Cupid and his golden arrow is often used as a symbol of love at first sight.
“I’ll brew you a love potion.” Gold in potions and spells
It's hard to say if these things really happened…
But legend has it alchemists added gold flakes or gold-infused ingredients to love potions to attract love and affection.
To get a piece of this shiny precious metal, many would go on dangerous quests or make sacrifices in the hopes of winning someone's heart.
Of course, you may think these are just old wives' tales, yet they show how gold has been revered throughout history for its powerful, almost magical properties.
So, if you are planning to throw a few tiny gold flakes into your crush's food, no worries, it's completely safe to eat.🙂
💡Read our SPOTLIGHT to learn more fun facts about gold.
Gold and the Trojan War: the Greek myth of the Golden Apple
Now, it’s time for some drama.
Let us tell you the story of the Golden Apple - a famous Greek myth that caused quite a stir among the gods.
So, there was this beautiful goddess named Eris, who wasn't invited to a wedding party for two other goddesses, Athena and Aphrodite, and she was not too happy about it. In fact, she was so upset that she decided to cause some trouble.
Eris got her hands on a shiny, golden apple and inscribed it with the words "For the Fairest." Then she tossed it into the party, where it was immediately claimed by the three most beautiful goddesses: Athena, Aphrodite, and Hera.
But each of the goddesses believed that the apple should belong to her, and they started arguing and fighting over it. Eventually, they decided to ask Zeus, the king of the gods, to settle the dispute.
Zeus, however, didn't want to get involved in their petty squabbles. So, he decided to let a mortal man, named Paris, decide which goddess deserved the apple.
Each of the goddesses tried to bribe Paris with promises of wealth, wisdom, and love. But in the end, Paris chose Aphrodite because she promised him the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Troy.
And that's how the Golden Apple caused a war between the Greeks and the Trojans, known as the Trojan War. All because of a little golden fruit and some petty goddess drama…
Gold, a symbol of love and eternity
True love doesn’t rust, right? The same goes for gold.
Gold doesn't rust or tarnish because it doesn't react with oxygen, so it stays bright and shiny. Gold is also practically indestructible. It's resistant to acids, corrosion, and most other chemical reactions. The only way to change its appearance is to melt it down, which is a pretty big deal if you ask us.
Because of their unique properties and eternal value, gold bars and coins can be a thoughtful gift for someone you care about.
Learn more in our SPOTLIGHT: The Timeless Tradition of Gifting Gold.
