The use of these names stems from the tradition of classical Greek and Roman literature, where they were frequently used in bucolic poetry, such as in the works of Theocritus and Virgil. Over time, they became conventionalized in the European poetic tradition, especially during the Renaissance and later literary periods when there was a revival of interest in classical Greek and Roman literature.
In pastoral literature, Strephon is often depicted as a young, idealized shepherd who is deeply in love with Celia. Celia, on the other hand, represents the object of his affections, often portrayed as a beautiful and unattainable shepherdess. Their interactions typically revolve around themes of love, yearning, courtship, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
These pseudonyms provide poets with a way to construct a fictional pastoral world populated by stock characters and familiar motifs. They allow poets to explore the universal human emotions and experiences associated with love, desire, and longing while adding an element of convention and artistic distance.
By employing the names Strephon and Celia, poets tap into a long-established literary tradition that resonates with readers familiar with pastoral conventions. They create a framework within which they can express and explore emotions, experiences, and poetic themes in a stylized and heightened manner, evoking a sense of timelessness and literary allusion.