We explain the symbols of love and what each one means. We also explain why they are so important in the celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What are the symbols of love?
Love, that feeling of affection or intense attraction that one person experiences for another, has been represented since ancient times and has been assigned numerous symbols, deities, and imaginary meanings.
The main symbols of love are: Must Read – Selfishness
- Cupid
- The heart
- Roses
- The ring
In Western culture, a significant portion of the symbols of love we use come from Greco-Roman imagery and the Christian religion.
Cupid
A typical image associated with love is that of the winged child holding a bow and arrow, also known as the cherub, putti, or angel.
It is inherited from Greek mythology, as it is one of the Roman representations of Eros, the god of love, responsible for the “crush” of falling in love.
However, its childlike appearance emerged during the Renaissance, through the fusion of the god Eros and the Christian cherubs, and is known as putti.
The heart
The drawing of a heart is perhaps the most universal symbol of love today, although it is inherited from Christianity.
Its origin dates back to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which, according to the Catholic Church, appeared in a dream to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, wrapped in a crown of thorns.
However, the idea that the heart (the human organ) is the seat of emotions and passions dates back much further: it can be found in ancient Greek and Roman texts.
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Roses
Roses are the typical Valentine’s Day gift. The flower, and especially the red rose, is a symbol of love that many interpret differently depending on the color of the petals:
- Red roses. Denote passionate love.
- White roses. Allude to pure and innocent love.
- Pink roses. Refer to fraternal love or friendship.
The Ring
Rings, more often associated with marriage than with love itself, are symbols of commitment, acting as an emblem of the relationship.
Nowadays, rings are a less relevant symbol when expressing love, but they are still used as a promise of a future marriage (the engagement ring).
Symbols of Love on Valentine’s Day
Symbols of love are very present on February 14th of each year, when Valentine’s Day is celebrated, which coincides with Saint Valentine’s Day in the Catholic calendar.
Valentine’s Day is dedicated to love and friendship and is celebrated by exchanging gifts. It is common, therefore, to see symbols of love on these gifts: cards with hearts drawn on them, roses (especially red ones), and, occasionally, couples choose to propose marriage on this date by exchanging an engagement ring.
Today, this celebration has a significant commercial impact in most Western countries.
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References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Love Dictionary of the Language of the Royal Spanish Academy.
- What is love? This is what science tells us. El País (Spain).
- Love Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
- Love (emotion). The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
- What are the most important symbols of love? – concepto.de
