Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol (2024)

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Feb 14.2019

Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol

Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol (2)As a history buff, I always like to learn about the origins of symbols, designs and icons. One of the most ubiquitous symbols in jewelry is the heart shape. It has been emblematic of love, specifically romantic love for ages. So we did a little digging to learn more.

The first depiction of the heart as a symbol of love comes from the medieval times, in an illustration in a french manuscript from the 1250s called Roman de la poire, or "romance of the pear", in which a kneeling lover offers up a pinecone-shaped heart to his beloved maiden. The shape evolved over the next few hundred years, and the modern "scalloped" heart that we see today has been used on playing cards since the late 15th century. Have learned a bit about playing cards from Wolf Hall.

For the queen of hearts in your life, or to show your love — check out our necklaces, earrings, and rings featuring the heart.

Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol (3)Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol (4)Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol (5)

Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol (2024)

FAQs

Happy Valentine's Day - History of the Heart Symbol? ›

The first depiction of the heart as a symbol of love comes from the medieval times, in an illustration in a french manuscript from the 1250s called Roman de la poire, or "romance of the pear", in which a kneeling lover offers up a pinecone-shaped heart to his beloved maiden.

Where did the symbol of a heart come from Valentine's Day? ›

The more familiar modern heart shape appears to have come on the scene from the Italian didactic poem Documenti d'amore by Francesco Barberino, a Florentine jurist, that went viral in the 14th-century.

Why is the heart shaped like ❤? ›

One is that the heart shape comes from the shape of the leaves of a now-extinct plant called silphium, which was considered a key component of a love potion in the time of the Romans. Another theory is that St. Valentine used the symbol when arranging secret marriages.

What is the history of the love symbol? ›

The first known depiction of a heart-shape as a symbol of love was in the 1250's French manuscript the Roman de la poire, in which a young man holds his vaguely pine cone-shaped heart up towards his lady love. Up until the fourteenth century, the heart was usually depicted upside down.

What is the meaning of the heart symbol? ›

The heart symbol is an ideograph used to express the idea of the "heart" in its metaphorical or symbolic sense. Represented by an anatomically inaccurate shape, the heart symbol is often used to represent the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially romantic love.

When did the heart become a symbol of love? ›

The heart shape didn't actually become connected with love until the 15th century. Peepal tree leaves. Cyrene coin, 5th-6th century, in what is now Libya. In the mid-13th century, French writer Thibaut created a miniature in which a man gives a pear, considered by some the first heart, to a woman.

Does 3 mean ❤? ›

<3. and heart emoji can be used to express love or affection for a person or fondness for some event or content. Like the heart symbol, <3. can stand for the word love or heart, e.g., I <3.

What does the love heart mean? ›

The most popular of all the heart emojis, the red heart signifies love, as well as passion and romance, making it the perfect symbol of your fervent feelings. It's anything but casual, which means you don't want to send it to acquaintances, co-workers or after a first date, no matter how well it went.

What symbolizes love other than a heart? ›

Throughout different cultures, various symbols have been used to represent love, affection, and the idea of eternal life. Love symbols such as the love knot, the infinity symbol, and the maple leaf have been used to convey these deep emotions.

Where did the word "heart" come from? ›

Etymology. From Middle English herte, from Old English heorte (“heart”), from Proto-West Germanic *hertā, from Proto-Germanic *hertô (“heart”), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱérd (“heart”).

What is the greatest symbol of love? ›

1. The Heart: The most popular symbol of love, a heart is used to represent the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially romantic love.

What symbol means love forever? ›

The infinity symbol represents everlasting love and this is why it makes the perfect gift for someone special. It shows them how much you value them, love, and care about them. It also represents the fact that you want to be with them forever.

Who designed the love symbol? ›

Almost 25 years ago, LogoLounge member Mitch Monson found himself in an enviable place: working with Prince, his creative director/producer Sotera Tschetter, and his art director Lizz Luce on music videos, album covers, tour graphics, and more.

What does 💕 mean from a girl? ›

A 💕 can be used to show affection, especially if someone's just started a relationship. Someone may add this emoji to the end of a message if they feel their love is reciprocated. X Research source. “Can't believe it's only been 2 months💕” “You know I'm always here for you💕”

What does 💗 mean from a girl? ›

When a girl sends you the growing heart emoji 💗, it typically signifies an outpouring of love, joy, pride, or any strong, positive emotion that would cause her heart to swell or grow [1]. It is a way for her to express her affection and fondness towards you.

What does 💚 mean from a girl? ›

You'll often see a 💚 used when expressing a platonic love for a friend or acquaintance. X Research source. Try adding this green heart to a heart-warming message to tell a friend, “I care about you.” “You're the bestest friend a girl could ask for 💚” “Just take deep breaths.

Why do we celebrate Valentine's Day with hearts? ›

According to legend, in order "to remind these men of their vows and God's love, Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment", giving them to these soldiers and persecuted Christians, a possible origin of the widespread use of hearts on Saint Valentine's Day.

How did Cupid become a symbol of Valentines Day? ›

As the god of love, Cupid has come to be associated with Valentine's Day, which is believed to have originally been a pagan holiday which became Christianised. In ancient Rome people worshipped the god of love - Eros or the Romans' Cupid.

What is the meaning of Valentine heart? ›

The symbol of love eventually became associated with Saint Valentine, who was said to have worn a heart around his neck while healing people with his good deeds. Ever since then, the heart has become one of the most famous symbols of Valentine's Day, along with roses and romantic gifts.

Is the heart a symbol of Valentine's Day? ›

The earliest concrete evidence linking the heart shape with romantic love comes from the 13th century French manuscript Roman de la poire, in which there's a drawing of a man holding his heart up to a woman he desires.

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