by Vivan Isenberg and Maya Kumar|January 29, 2015
Heart-shaped cookies, mixtapes and red roses. February is coming soon, and love is everywhere. Throughout history and literature, love has taken many forms, ranging from apples to Romeo and Juliet. Love symbols from around their world have found their way into all cultures.
1. The Heart: The most popular symbol of love, a heart is used to represent the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially romantic love.
2. Golden Arrow: Eros (Cupid) pricked himself with a golden arrow, causing him to fall in love with Psyche. Long after the Greeks have come and passed, Cupid is still a symbol of love around the globe.
3.An Apple: No, not the computer. Also from Greek mythology, Gaia gave Hera apples at her wedding to Zeus. Similarly, Dionysus gave apples to Aphrodite to woo her.
4.Osram de Nsoromma: In this depiction, “The Moon and the Star” is a figure of love, faithfulness, and harmony.
5.The Swan: The swan holds a multiple of representations throughout time. Love, grace, purity, beauty and sincerity, the swan has also symbolized chastity. The Celts believed swans were benevolent deities and legend has it that their images were forged into medallions worn around the neck for protection. In Hinduism, the Swan is known as the Hamsa bird, signifying the divine mind and breath of spirit. Likewise, the swan is a symbol of the Virgin Mary and the purity and love she symbolizes.
6.The Starfish: Biblically, the starfish represents the Virgin Mary. She creates safe travel over troubled waters and also a safe emblem of salvation. They represent infinite divine love, guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance and intuition.
7.Romeo and Juliet: They’re probably the most famous lovers, ever. They have become a synonym for love itself. A tragedy by William Shakespeare, their love story is tragic, breathtaking but nonetheless romantic. Two teenagers from feuding families fall in love at first sight, marry, and become true lovers then die for their own love.
Wherever you go in February, the influence of these famous figures is everywhere, in love, in culture and in art.
As a passionate enthusiast in the realm of symbols, mythology, and cultural representations, my extensive knowledge on the subject allows me to delve into the intricacies of the article by Vivan Isenberg and Maya Kumar dated January 29, 2015. The piece explores the pervasive theme of love and its various symbolic expressions throughout history and across different cultures.
The article begins with a nod to the imminent arrival of February, a month synonymous with love and romantic gestures. The mention of heart-shaped cookies, mixtapes, and red roses sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the rich tapestry of love symbols.
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The Heart: Undoubtedly the most ubiquitous symbol of love, the heart represents the epicenter of emotion, particularly romantic love and affection. Its prevalence across cultures makes it a universal icon of love.
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Golden Arrow (Cupid's Arrow): Referencing Greek mythology, the golden arrow represents the tool with which Eros (Cupid) pricked himself, leading to his own infatuation with Psyche. This enduring symbol of love transcends ancient Greek culture and continues to be recognized globally.
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The Apple: Not to be confused with the technology giant, the article draws a connection to Greek mythology where apples were gifted as tokens of love. Gaia presented apples to Hera at her wedding to Zeus, and Dionysus used apples to woo Aphrodite.
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Osram de Nsoromma (The Moon and the Star): Described as a symbol of love, faithfulness, and harmony, Osram de Nsoromma is a representation that delves into cultural symbolism beyond the familiar Western narratives.
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The Swan: This majestic bird holds multifaceted meanings, including love, grace, purity, beauty, and sincerity. The article highlights the Celtic belief that swans were benevolent deities and their association with protection. In Hinduism, the swan, known as the Hamsa bird, symbolizes the divine mind and breath of spirit. The Virgin Mary is also linked to the swan, emphasizing purity and love.
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The Starfish: With biblical roots, the starfish is associated with the Virgin Mary, representing safe travel over troubled waters and serving as an emblem of salvation. The starfish embodies divine love, guidance, vigilance, inspiration, brilliance, and intuition.
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Romeo and Juliet: The iconic lovers from William Shakespeare's tragedy become a symbolic representation of love itself. The article succinctly captures their tragic yet romantic story, portraying them as the epitome of love and passion.
In conclusion, the influence of these symbols and legendary figures is pervasive, shaping expressions of love not only in February but across cultures, art, and literature throughout history. The depth of these representations reveals the intricate ways in which love has been perceived and celebrated across diverse human experiences.
