Some think the heart-shape is a stylised depiction of human anatomy, representing the curved shape of breasts or buttocks. Others suppose it’s inspired by ancient philosophers, who believed the heart was the seat of the soul and the emotional centre. While physicians such as Galen, the 2nd century father of medicine, described the heart as a three-chambered organ shaped like a pine cone.
Over time, heart-shapes remained popular in decorative art and heraldry, but did not gain a strong connection with love until 13th century. The Medieval concept of courtly love led to more illustrations glorifying romance, often using the heart-shape as a symbol for love, as 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 14th century, the heart was usually depicted upside down. This shifted in 15th century, as the heart symbol came to resemble what we use today, and became a suit on playing cards.
Happy Valentine’s Day to you!❤️
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😎
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Fabulous info!!! ❤️🧡💛
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That’s kind of you Julie
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Love the fun history lesson.
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Thanks
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Very interesting. Happy Valentine’s day to you and your hubby ❤
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And to you two too
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Love your interesting and informative post ❤
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Thanks Rosaliene
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😎
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Happy Valentine❤
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You too Freddie
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Thank you 💋❤
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Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
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happy Valentine’s Day Sheree. Hope you and your husband got lots of treats.
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No treats though we did have a lovely day
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This post was a fun historical read. Next up? Next year? Hearts in red, yellow, green, or blue: What am I really saying with those emojis? 💓💛💚💙
I like the emoji heart that resembles an exclamation point, though it doesn’t squeeze well into a line of type, as shown here: ❣ For a long time I’ve tweaked my exclamation points in handwriting to be tall thin heart shapes, particularly in greeting cards.
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Who knows what I’ll come up with next year Doug
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💗I’m a day late…
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No problem
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