How did the Symbol of Heart Come into Existence?

The second month of the year 2016 has begun and almost one week has passed. February; as we all know is also known as “Month for lovers”. From 1^st Feb; we all are eagerly waiting for Valentine’sDay to come.

Nowadays, apart from this Valentine’s Day; we also celebrate several other days like as Chocolate Day, Propose Day, Slap Day, Kick Day and What not.  The list of Valentine’s Week is as follows:

1. Rose Day – February 7, 2016 – Sunday

2. Propose Day – February 8, 2016 – Monday

3. Chocolate Day – February 9, 2016 – Tuesday

4. Teddy Day – February 10, 2016 – Wednesday

5. Promise Day – February 11, 2016 - Thursday

6. Kiss Day – February 12, 2016 – Friday

7. Hug Day – February 13, 2016 – Saturday

8. Valentine’s Day – February 14, 2016 – Sunday

So, today is the first day of Valentine’s Week. Now, whenever we say we love someone; what we use is the “Heart” symbol. So, are you people aware from where this heart symbol came into existence?

Why this symbol is used for heart? Does our heart really look like this? Well, not really; if you ask any science student they will let you know.

Well, don’t stretch your head any more. You will get the answer right away here. So, read ahead and discover the origin of ♥) 

 Where did this symbol come from?

The heart symbol that we use today to express our feelings for our loved ones came into existence during middle Ages 13^th- 14^th Century.  At that time, this symbol was used to display Jesus Christ and his love towards mankind.

All Christians who were deeply devoted started using it in art and literature. Later, the use of this symbol increased in 15^th Century and from 16^th Century it gained huge popularity.

When in 1600s in England, Valentine’s Day was introduced; this “scalloped” shape was used to reflect new holiday.

So, what people used to express love before 13^th Century?

The symbol that was used to display feelings of love was Capital S with a manuscript of French Roman de la poire.

“Interesting; if you ask people what is the shape of heart symbol? I bet 90% of you will get confused and the answer lies here; it is scalloped Shape.”

Later many changes took place in this shape. Several attempts were made to relate it to various geometric shapes.

From when did it actually began to symbolize Love?

a)  Usage of heart symbol as a form of love: 

From 19^th century, this symbol was used on Valentine’s Day cards, Candies and other such Arti-facts that actually symbolize romantic love. Later on in 1977, it was also used as logograph which means “To Love”.

b) Usage of this symbol In Video Games as well as Health industry:

Later, this scalloped shaped heart symbol was used to signify health, lives in various games. "You can see today if you play Candy Crush Saga and your lives are over then you will see that heart shape with “0” and once you get a life then it gets filled". 

It is also used by restaurants indicating that they offer food that is healthy for your heart. One oil Company Saffola; uses this heart symbol to show that the oil is beneficial for your heart’s health.

This shows that the usage of this symbol in modern age has become more common like as hearts represent love in the bourgeois coats of arms.  Further, this became also popular in municipal coats.

Valentine’s shape is same as that in Disney Cartoon. According to Greek people; heart is the centre of emotion and soul and hence keeping this thing in mind, the so called “heart” shape was given red colour.

Egyptians believed that heart symbolizes life and morality. In the initial stages, heart was considered as a Sex symbol then it evolved to be a symbol of love and finally it was used to show eternal love. It is also used to denote spiritual love between Mankind and God.

So, just relax; you can always say I ♥) U to your God.

“Remember, when you send the heart emoticon to your special one via message then it means a lot rather than just devotion”. So, save your valuable feelings for someone Special. This denotes a very deep connection between two parties.”

Are you interested to know more about the history of “Heart” Then here you go.

Take Away:  Enjoyed knowing the roots of this symbol. Now, celebrate this Valentine Day with a difference where you know the actual meaning and this time you are not going to waste your feelings on anybody who doesn’t deserve.

Be Wise Choose Nice.

See you soon with next topic that will make your Propose Day a better one J Till then, Enjoy and Make Merry.