Heart symbol

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The heart symbol is a popular symbol used to represent the concept of the heart in its metaphorical or symbolic sense as the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially romantic love. The heart shape is often depicted in red, which is traditionally associated with strong emotions and passion.

History

The heart symbol has been used since antiquity, with early examples found in the art and iconography of various cultures. The symbol's origins are debated, but it is often linked to the shape of the leaves of the silphium plant, which was used in ancient times as a form of birth control. The heart shape as we know it today began to appear in the late Middle Ages and became widely popular in the early modern period.

Usage

The heart symbol is widely used in various contexts:

• In art and literature, it is a common motif representing love and affection.
• In religion, it can symbolize spiritual love and devotion, such as the Sacred Heart in Christianity.
• In popular culture, it is often used in emojis and other digital communications to express love and care.
• In medicine, the heart symbol is sometimes used to represent the physical heart, although the anatomical heart looks quite different.

Variations

There are several variations of the heart symbol, including:

• The broken heart, which represents heartbreak or the end of a relationship.
• The double heart, often used to symbolize mutual love or a romantic relationship.
• The pierced heart, which can symbolize passionate love or suffering.

In Modern Culture

The heart symbol is ubiquitous in modern culture. It is prominently featured in Valentine's Day celebrations, where it appears on cards, decorations, and gifts. The symbol is also used in various logos and branding, such as the "I ♥ NY" campaign.

Unicode

In digital communications, the heart symbol is represented by the Unicode character U+2764 (❤). It is widely used in emojis and other forms of digital expression.

See also

• Love
• Valentine's Day
• Cardiology
• Sacred Heart
• Emoji

External links

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