Valentine's Day and Symbols of Love
Symbols of love and Valentine's Day are all around us. Though they become more prominent around February 14, it is possible to see them any time of the year. Most people are aware of what symbolizes love and Valentine's Day; yet, they have no idea how these icons came to represent these concepts.
Knowing why Valentine's Day is represented by symbols like roses, hearts, and lace will help you to appreciate the holiday that much more-and it will make you appreciate the next display of affection someone has for you that much more.
All You Need Is Love
One of the most common symbols of Valentine's Day is the heart. Long ago, it was believed that all human emotions came from the heart. Thus, when a heart was given to someone else, it meant that they were giving all of themselves to that person. Though it is now known that the brain controls emotions, the symbol has remained throughout the years.
Lace and ribbon are also commonly associated with Valentine's Day. At first glance, it is difficult to see what correlation lace and ribbon have with Valentine's Day. The fact that these items are very feminine makes them a symbol of love and Valentine's Day. In medieval times, knights carried a lace handkerchief given to them by their loved one when going into battle.
Flowers, but more specifically the rose, have also long been a symbol of Valentine's Day. The word "rose," when rearranged is the word "eros," which is the god of love and the root word for the word "erotic." In poetry and literature, lovers are often compared to roses. Though most commonly thought of as being red, the different colors of roses symbolize different emotions. For example, a lavender rose symbolizes enchantment, while a dark pink rose symbolizes friendship. A red love symbolizes love, courage, and respect.
Have you ever heard a couple referred to as being "love birds?" That's because love birds and doves are another common icon of Valentine's Day. An ancient myth states that birds choose their mates on February 14. Doves mate for life, making them a romanticized bird, and lovebirds are known for being touchy and dependant on their mate.
A Meaningful Expression
Simply being aware of symbols is not enough. In order to fully appreciate them, it is necessary to understand where they came from. Roses, lace, lovebirds, and hearts will are well known to most-but now you know their underlying meaning.
