Love is a powerful emotion, celebrated and immortalized in symbols of love by cultures throughout history and around the world. Many images immediately convey the message of love, and they are generally taken from ancient associations and superstitions with nature, fertility and passion.
Red Heart: Centuries of use have made the heart a global symbol of love. Early beliefs that the heart was the center of the mind as well as the emotions helped the stylized heart evolve to the iconic symbol of love and passion that it is today. The heart shape could be seen in natural objects then associated with love, such as the heart-shaped seed of the silphium plant (an herbal contraceptive), the back and wings of a dove (associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love) and the necks of two mating swans (created in negative space).
Apple: This delicious fruit has been a love symbol since ancient Greece, where it represented ecstasy and fertility. Apples were popular gifts given at weddings, and Greek mythology tells of how the Greek god Dionysus offered apples to Aphrodite to win her affections. The Celts believed that the apple represented love because the fruit lasted a long time after being picked. In China, apples are associated with affection and adoration.
Maple Leaf: While it is less well-known, the maple leaf has long been the symbol of love throughout Asia, particularly in Japan and China. In North America, the maple leaf was used to decorate the beds of early settlers to encourage peaceful sleep as well as intimate pleasures.
Love Knots: Many cultures used intricate knots as symbols of love. Celtic love knots were common throughout Europe and the British Isles and represented bound lovers and endless love, as the knots have no beginning or end. Young Muslim women also used to send secret love messages to young men via intricate knots.
 | Some of the most modern images signifying love are actually ancient love symbols from around the world. You might be surprised at the meanings behind of the most well-known love symbols. |
 | Flowers are a wonderful and romantic gesture, but what is the meaning of rose colors? You may want to pick up roses that are a little bit different, but you don't want to offend the object of your affections, either. |
Luckily, roses aren't the only flowers that indicate romance. The language of flowers is full of nuances, and a different flower can represent a different sentiment. |
When you want to express your love, sometimes your own language just won't do, and that's where Italian love sayings come in. |
Due to different flower meanings, there may be more to that bouquet you just got than you think. Understanding what each type of flower represents may make the intentions of the giver much clearer. |
