With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s common to see hearts decorating wherever you go, from cards and candies to balloons and jewelry. The heart-shaped symbol that has become synonymous with this holiday is also known to represent love in all of its forms, especially romantic love. Although the heart shape has been viewed as a symbol of love for centuries, have you ever wondered why, or how, this unique shape came to represent such a universal feeling?
It probably doesn’t come as a surprise that what we recognize as a heart shape isn’t shaped much like an actual, anatomically-correct heart at all. Despite this though, this symbol has been used throughout much of modern history to symbolize love. Keep reading for a history lesson on where this symbol came from and why it’s come to mean what it means today.
Ancient Depictions
Love has been a recognized and well-documented emotion throughout human history, however, it wasn’t always associated with the heart. The origins of how love became associated with the heart and eventually the heart symbol aren’t clearly understood, however, historians have identified some pivotal moments throughout history that might explain its origins.
The heart shape can be found in ancient times, even as early as 500 BC, however it wasn’t always used as a symbol of love. Prior to the heart representing love, the form was often used to depict foliage like the leaves of figs and ivy or seeds. From ancient Greece, there are examples of the heart being associated with love. One early example is from the poet Sappho during the 7th century in which she described her heart quaking with love. Greek philosophers like Plato linked the heart to our strongest emotions, including love. Similarly, the ancient Romans also associated the heart with love. Their beliefs were evident in the depictions of the goddess of love, Venus, and her son Cupid, who were blamed for igniting people’s hearts with passion.
Another belief held by the ancient Romans that has inspired modern-day traditions is the significance of the ring finger on the left hand - where a wedding ring is traditionally worn. The ancient Romans believed that there was a vein running from the left hand’s fourth finger directly to the heart. Although this isn’t accurate, the belief is the reason why people started wearing wedding rings on that finger. One of the first accepted images of the heart shape we know today being used to symbolize love was in an illustration from the year 1344. Originating in France, The Romance of Alexander is a medieval picture book that houses an illustration that depicts a woman holding a heart in the rough shape of what we know today. In the picture, the woman accepts the heart as a gift from a man, where it appears he has taken the heart from his chest. This marked the start of hearts being used to depict love and romance.
Heart Depictions Throughout History
Throughout the 15th century, the heart symbol became increasingly common throughout art, jewelry, accessories and other household items, like sword handles and memorials throughout Europe. Of course, a big reason why the heart became associated with love is due to the celebration of Valentine’s Day. While many assume that this holiday resulted from the modern-day greeting card industry, its celebration actually dates back centuries. St. Valentine has been a part of the Catholic calendar since 496, when it was established he’d be celebrated on February 14. It’s believed that this holiday started to become associated with love during the Middle Ages. By the mid-17th century, this day was celebrated in France and England, where affluent men would give gifts to women as a sign of love.
Overtime, these gifts, or valentines, would become more elaborate with handwritten verses that featured drawings, paintings and iconography. By the end of the 18th century, commercial valentines were available in England. These often featured the same symbols commonly found on modern valentines, such as hearts, flowers and cupids.
Modern Depictions
For much of history the classic heart shape was used to convey romantic love, however, today, the heart symbol is used to communicate all kinds of love. One of the most iconic uses of the heart symbol in modern times, is the “I ♥️ NY” logo, which altered the way we use the heart symbol and broadened its use from just representing romantic love to other positive feelings. This logo debuted in 1977 and increased the ways that we utilize this symbol in our everyday lives. In addition to this well known logo, today it’s also common to see the heart symbol as a representation for health, such as in video games. You can also find a wide range of variations of the heart in emojis, making it easy for people to communicate sentiments of love in digital communications.
Heart-Shaped Monuments
When it comes to love, there’s no love like the kind we feel for those we’ve lost. Whether you’ve lost a family member, a partner or someone else that was close to you, honoring their memory with a custom monument can be an important part of your healing process. At Gaulden Monuments, we understand the importance of honoring your loved one with a thoughtful design that not only represents your special bond, but memorializes them.
There are a lot of ways to customize a monument for your loved one, with one popular way being in the form of a unique shape. Our heart-shaped monuments are a beautiful way to honor the love you have for the deceased and can come in a range of sizes, styles and even colors. Our experts can work with you to create a heart-shaped monument that memorializes your loved one and showcases the affection you have for them.
Whether you want a stand-alone heart-shaped monument for your loved one or simply want to incorporate this affectionate symbol into their monument design, our team can help bring your vision to life and can create a quality monument that you’ll love.
© 2024 Gaulden Monuments, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Written for Gaulden Monuments by Minieri & Company LLC.
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