back to Trivia page

History of Heart icon

The heart symbol, instantly recognizable and universally understood as a representation of love and affection, has a rich and complex history that spans cultures and centuries. The evolution of this symbol from an abstract form to its current status as a global emblem of love is a fascinating tale intertwined with religion, art, and social change.

The origins of the heart symbol are not entirely clear, but it is believed to date back to ancient times. One theory suggests that the shape may have been inspired by the seed of the silphium plant, which was used in ancient Cyrene (modern-day Libya) as a form of birth control. The seed's distinct heart-like shape may have contributed to its association with love and sexuality. Another theory links the symbol to representations of ivy leaves, which were associated with fidelity and enduring love in ancient Greek and Roman cultures.

Gold and Faience Heart-Shaped Pendant, India, 300-100 BCE.
Attic Red-Figure Kantharoid Skyphos, Aison, Greek (Attic), active 425 - 400 BC
The symbol’s connection to the human heart, however, is more abstract. In ancient Egypt and Greece, the heart was considered the seat of the soul and the center of emotions, a belief that persisted into the Middle Ages. Despite this, early depictions of the human heart in art were anatomically inaccurate, often resembling a pinecone or a pear more than the stylized heart shape we recognize today.

The heart symbol began to take on its modern form during the Middle Ages, particularly in the context of courtly love and Christian iconography. The earliest known depiction of the heart as a symbol of romantic love appears in a 13th-century French manuscript, where a lover offers his heart, resembling the modern symbol, to his lady.

Roman de la poire detail
Fig.1 - Trulli, Puglia, Italy.
Sacred Heart Batoni
Fig.1 - Trulli, Puglia, Italy.

Religious art also played a significant role in shaping the heart icon. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol in Christian devotion that represents Jesus's divine love for humanity, is often depicted with a heart that has the familiar shape. This religious imagery helped cement the heart as a symbol of deep emotional and spiritual love.

The Renaissance period saw the heart symbol become more widespread, particularly in Europe. It was during this time that the heart shape began appearing on playing cards, a tradition that continues to this day. The symbol’s association with romantic love became more pronounced, driven by the era’s literature and art that celebrated human emotion and beauty.

By the 19th century, the heart had firmly established itself as the symbol of love, especially with the rise of Valentine’s Day as a popular holiday. The commercialization of the holiday, with mass-produced cards and gifts, further ingrained the heart shape in popular culture as the ultimate expression of love and affection.

Victorian Valentine's Day Card, c.1860-1880.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the heart symbol's influence only grew, becoming a ubiquitous part of global culture. With the advent of digital communication, the heart found a new home in emojis and social media, allowing people to express love, care, and support with a simple tap. The symbol has transcended linguistic and cultural barriers, becoming a universal language of emotion.

So, the heart symbol's journey from an ancient motif to a modern icon is a testament to its enduring power as a representation of love. Whether used in art, religion, or digital communication, the heart continues to be a profound and versatile symbol, capable of conveying the deepest human emotions with a simple shape.