Even as a toddler, Adonis was so handsome that Aphrodite hid him from the world in a chest. For some reason, she entrusted Persephone (the goddess of the underworld, so the place in theory was chosen well) with the box. Persephone, after beholding the baby, of course refused to give him back. The following dispute was settled by Zeus (or Calliope on his behalf): Adonis, the now perpetually youthful and beautiful man, was to spend a third of the year with Persephone, a third with Aphrodite and the last third wherever he liked (which, rumor has it, always happened to be with Aphrodite).Aphrodite and Adonis enjoyed hunting together. At one occasion, Adonis attacked a wild boar, which — probably guided by an envious god — wounded Adonis, fatally as it turned out. Dying, Adonis shed some blood, which, sprinkled with nectar by Aphrodite, turned into a number of red flowers, anemones perhaps and the first red roses.
This is one of the stories how red roses became our beloved symbols of love and desire, perfectly suited for heartfelt and classy Valentine's Day greetings:
›› Every word is too much, every thought dissociating. Start love letter mailing. Stop thinking. (IncrediMail)
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