If you read last months blog (on haggis), you may approach this title with a bit of trepidation. But have no fear, the ‘heart’ reference is to that of love,… and of course Valentine’s Day.

The question is, where and when did the current heart symbol actually become the emblem of affection?

As we are all aware, the heart is responsible for blood flow and not the site of origin for the feeling that poets write about. So the relationship is a bit of a mystery. The familiar heart shape, preserved in antiquity, is associated with the seed of the silphium plant, the eye of a wild boar, and a rather abstract version of the human heart. These symbols were widely used in a “sacrificial” or “charity” context, and appeared in paintings, on coins, etc. They were also found on Buddhist temples and swords for the purpose of warding off evil spirits.

The combination of the heart shape we all know, and using it within the love metaphor, is first thought to have become popular in the 16th century. As hearts beat quickly when the adored person appeared, it was felt that there was a connection to be made. Fast forward, and the heart has been used to the max in a commercial sense. Valentines; emoticons; as a logograph (I❤NY was the first), and even in iconic video games to symbolize ‘health’ or ‘lives’.

In 2023, as February 14th approaches, and Family Day follows on the 18th, hearts will indeed pop up everywhere. Even in the cheese case! We hope that you have a warm and wonderful time sharing the ❤ that they represent!!