The Origin of Romantic Symbols

“Love: An intense feeling of deep affection” - Oxford Dictionary.

The universally trusted English dictionary condenses the understanding of a complex emotion into a 6 word sentence. But what about the use of romantic symbols in their singular form? Who is it that determines the semantic recognition of a sign?

While it is difficult to give an answer to the question, many theories have allowed us to recognise the links behind the symbol and their purpose of expressing affection.

Perhaps it is appropriate to start with the heart. Anatomically, it is the pinnacle of survival, but in it’s romantic form, it condenses every experience, gesture, sound and memory of love as an emotion, into one symbol. The shape that is rounded on two sides and pointed down the middle does not in fact resemble the one that keeps most organisms alive.

One theory suggests that the reason for the shape of the heart can be traced back to an ancient plant called silphium. This species of giant fennel grew on the North African Coastline residing by the ancient Greek and Roman colonies. Silphyium had multiple uses in the flavoring of food, medicine, perfume, but most famously as birth control. This plant was even led to extinction due to its popularity and eventually emblazoned on a coin. It is believed that the connotations of the heart linked to conception of babies and the silphium leaf in due course. Interestingly, this is not the only hypothesis involving botanical ideograms. The Indus Valley Civilization actually used Fig, Ivy and Water-lily leaves which all have a distinct resemblance in shape to the modern day heart symbol. They were seen as a sign of fidelity and often integrated into the art and heraldry of the time.

Another widely recognised connotation of romance also involves the rose. As a society, we have collectively chosen to gift our loved ones with this flower and it is often the embodiment of love in nature. Even Shakespeare used it in this context: Romeo and Juliet. According to Western beliefs, this flower was created by Aphrodite, the goddess of love, as remembered in a legend. It entailed her lover Adonis, who had been wounded by a wild boar. A mixture of his tears and blood happened to water to the ground, resulting in Roses growing. Because of her connection to the flower, it is now the main flower used when expressing love and affection.

Eastern culture also suggests a similar Arab tale. When a nightingale viewed a white rose, it caused the bird to sing. It had become overwhelmed by its love for the flower and eventually pressed up against the Rose. Due to the thorny exterior, the prickel had caused a piercing through the nightingale’s heart. A result of blood flow to the Rose turned it red.

Remarkably, Greek and Roman culture had a significant impact on the role of romantic symbols. Cupid, Swans and Doves all were derived from goddesses. Swans faced oppositely from each with their beaks touching often resemble the modern heart shape, whereas in Christinaity, the dove is known for deep enduring love. Cupid was also bestowed the title, God of love, after being birthed by goddess Venus. His bow and arrow is even thought to shoot a golden arrow through a person’s head to make them fall in love instantly. The opposite is the case with the leaden arrow.

Not only do shapes matter in this context but the color red has taken over our schema of romance. As previously discussed, blood seems to be the reason for this. Afterall, it is pumped by the heart (a source of love) which is the central for all feelings. Red also has the largest visible spectrum of light, which can only be seen by some species just like how love might be; not seen by all, only felt by those intended. While it is interesting to observe the lack of emotion romantic symbols contain, they can be convenient on social media and other forms of efficient communication.

The extraordinary part of feeling adoration is sometimes most meaningfully expressed in the ordinary shape.

Alma Mahmood 11D