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Heart Symbology in Valentine's Day Jewelry
02/08/12
Heart Symbology: Love, Life, Emotion, and Dance
It seems that the heart has been the most popular symbol of love since the
beginning of human history.
In addition to love, the heart symbolizes the soul and the center of emotion
and consciousness.
Much of the historical information on heart symbology dates to the early Egyptians.
The Egyptians had one word - "ab" - for a combined "heart-soul,"
which they believed was possessed by each human being. They also considered
the heart to be the giver of life. For this reason, Egyptian mother's referred
to their children as their "heart's blood."
The Egyptians also recognized the importance of movement as a symbol of life
and being. They honored the movement of the heart by comparing it to dance.
The hieroglyphic sign for the heart-soul was a dancing figure, which was also
used as a verb meaning "to dance." According to The Woman's Encyclopedia
of Myths and Secrets [offsite link], "[t]his referred to the dance of life
going on inside the body - the heartbeat." Similarly, in ancient India,
sages taught that the human heartbeat was the basis for the tempos of music,
dance, and poetry.
The Christian religions also embraced heart symbology early in their history.
An example is the Catholic belief in Jesus' "Sacred Heart." Christians
also recognize the heart as the center of human emotion. Eastern religions observed
a similar symbology in the "Sacred Heart of Shiva." And the Islam
religion considers the heart to be the center of spirituality.
I "Heart" a Heart (But What is That Thing, Anyway?)
The heart symbol, with its double humps and pointy bottom, is recognized by
all major human cultures.
Of course, the popular "heart shape" which is used so frequently
in jewelry design today looks nothing like a real human heart. (Thank goodness.)
So what is the origin of this cute little, minimalist shape we so adore? Bob
Bankard of PhillyBurbs.com has one interesting theory, involving ancient seed
pods and birth control [offsite link].
Other sources report that the heart symbol originates from the ancient symbol
for the Roman figure Nimrod, who was worshipped as a god under the name "Baal."
In the language of the ancient Babylonians, the word "bal" meant "heart."
The similarity between this word and the name "Baal" is thought to
be a significant connection between Nimrod and the modern-day heart symbol.
The ultra-symbolic site symbols.com describes a different heart-shape origin,
one owing to the shape's similarity to the symbols for "fire" and
"flight" in the Middle Ages - and to the symbol for Aries. Howstuffworks.com
provides a somewhat simpler theory - that the heart symbol was created by early
peoples attempting to drawing images of a human organ they'd never seen.
Hearts in Fashion Jewelry
The heart symbol has always been popular in jewelry, whether sentimental or
symbolic. Egyptian mummies were often adorned with heart amulet necklaces. These
hearts were carved from red stone, and were thought to provide the human body
with renewed vitality.
The Irish claddagh, another early example of heart jewelry, is a classic design
depicting two hands holding a heart. Claddagh rings have served as traditional
wedding bands for centuries.
Heart-shaped pins and badges have also been used to symbolize valor, commitment,
and sacrifice. The U.S. military Bronze Heart and Purple Heart are examples
of this.
Modern day heart-themed jewelry is popular all year, and there are millions
of designs to choose from. This year, try something sleek and simple that can
be worn alone or layered with other pieces.
Sterling Silver Floating Heart Necklace from Sabrina Silver [offsite link]
Sterling Silver Multi Heart Bracelet from the Amazon.com Collection [offsite
link]
Sterling Silver Multi-Strand Heart Necklace [offsite link]
Or, pick up a special keepsake with a little bit of history. The romantic symbol
of the heart was overwhelmingly popular during the Victorian and Victorian Revival
periods. Browse your favorite antiques mall or vintage jewelry website for the
perfect find.
Vintage 1940s puffy heart charmEvetta Hill [offsite link] offers a huge selection
of authentic, vintage sterling silver puffy heart "sweetheart" charms.
If you're addicted to the new charm craze - the ever-popular "Italian
Charm Bracelet" - you certainly won't be left out this Valentine's Day.
Dozens of heart designs are available to help you preserve your most cherished
Valentine's memories.
Can't find the perfect charm to add to your piece? Have a simple little heart-theme
turned into a customized charm with special meaning to you.
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