WHY HEART SYMBOL OF LOVE????

I believe the heart is the center of all vital organs of our body. Did you know that even without breathing as long as your heart is still working/beating, you have a chance to live? But my real query is, why the heart is associated as a the sign/symbol of Love? Why not any other sign or body parts?

When I first heard this question from my friend. It really made me wonder. And according to some historians, the heart-shaped symbol that represents love and adoration has been here since the existence of man.

But the icon and the real thing share nothing in common at all. The real heart is shaped like a yellow/red football, and the symbol a heart drawn in a stylized shape. Usually with the color red, which suggest blood, passion and strong emotion and associated too with romantic poetry, Valentine's day and chocolate boxes.

So this symbol doesn't even come close to the appearance of the human heart. But, it is said, that the double humps atop a stylized heart vaguely recall a male reproductive organ, head's shape, but rounded rather than pointed. Or can also depict the human female body, such as the female reproductive organ, the Sumerian cuneiform or its mound. And some maintains a resemblance to the shape of the female breasts or buttocks.

Some historians said, one possible origin, of the shape of the heart, is a seed pod. The Silphium, a type of fennel, which seeds are distinctly heart-shaped, but has been extinct for over two Millennium. It can be seen engraved on the ancient coins of the city of Cyrene.

The Greeks believed the plant was a gift from Apollo (archer-god of medicine and healing, light, truth, a bringer of death-dealing plague or also know as the sun-god in Greek Mythology). The plant appeared after a heavy rain storm flooded the city of Cyrene. But evidence of Silphium was used much earlier in Egypt and Libya too. Because of its varied medical uses and scarcity, it was considered to be "worth its weight in denarii" during Roman times. Eventually, they harvested the plant to extinction.

And for why the seed pod possibly rank itself as the premiere symbol of loveand romance? Maybe because Silphium was the main ingredient for the most highly effective natural birth-control medicine of its time. It was used as an herbal contraceptive or abortifacient. So its shape may have come to be associated with sexuality and love.

And also, the "heart" shape is formed by the back and wings of a dove, which was associated with Aphrodite, the ancient Greek Goddess of Love.

OTHER LOVE SYMBOLS:

Wine and candles: Usually used with romantic settings, for intimate celebrations, anniversaries, especially if associated by other love symbols.

Rosemary: Also used as a symbol for fidelity and remembrance.

Sealed with....Love.

Cupid in action.

Chocolates

Lips: Associated with passion, kissing, and a pair of lips painted with bright red lipstick leaves a print sealed with Love.

Cupid: Roman God of Love, Eros in Greek mythology represented by a winged boy carrying a bow and arrow, with which he pierced his victim's heart causing them to fall in love.

Heart pierced by an arrow: Shot by Cupid or Eros, causing the person to fall passionately in love. And it explains the pain and pleasure of Love.

Arrow: Symbolises Strength, Penetration, Struck by Love and the deep wound or scar that Love leave.

Broken heart: Often symbolises loss of Love, spurned or rejected lover, and the pain of this. The term "heartbroken" is used for extreme sadness and grief.

Chocolate: Said to be better than flowers,~lol It has romantic connotations, gift of a lover. And not to mention the supposed aphrodisiac properties associated with it.

Beware of the Mistletoe

Passionate Love

For now and eternity...

Mistletoe: During Christmas season, standing under it, gives anyone the opportunity to kiss you.

Wedding rings: Represent permanency, "until death do us part", and also for union or togetherness.

Roses: Red roses symbolise Love and Passion. White roses symbolise virginity and purity. Yellow roses symbolise jealousy and infidelity.

Jasmine: Strongly scented, white flower used as a Hindu symbol for Love.

Osram Ne Nsoroma: The Adinkra (West Africa) symbol representing love consisting of a star (the woman) and the moon (the man).

As a result of this, I think the heart-shape symbol is the best icon that can symbolise Love. And the facts brought by history, makes it more appreciated. So the next time you fall in love, give your heart the true justice it deserves.

this article from here