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To: alt.lucky.w,alt.magick.tyagi From: catherine yronwodeSubject: Re: heart shape symbol Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 10:48:12 -0800 HERMANN wrote: > > I'm doing research concerning the shape of the heart as used in > valentines, love symbols, etc. My interest is > 1) the origin of the shape of the heart, > 2) the original meaning of this shape, and > 3) any history involved or related to this shape. > If you can help or direct me in my search for > answers, it will be most appreciated. > > Dr. Ray Hermann, hermann@prodigy.com I have no scholarly data on the subject, but based on my reading and a fairly well-organized memory for images, i associate the "heart-shaped" image of the heart with Europeans only after the medieval era. It certainly is not a culturally universal ideogram for a heart (nor is the heart universally considered the seat of affection or emotion). It is not found in the art of the Americas, Australia, or East Asia until the advent of global communication. As for its use in European symbolism, it may have had earlier roots in European tribal art, but i think not -- i believe that it came to Europe from the Middle East during the era of the Crusades and the later Moorish invasions. One finds it used a great deal in the filigree jewelry work of North Africa, especially in connection with the so-called Hand of Fatima (Hamsa Hand). If Hamsa Hands interest you, go to my web page at http://www.luckymojo.com/HamsaHand.html The nearest form of curved image that approximates the "heart" is the "paisley" of India -- two "paisleys" face-to-face make a "heart." Since there was extensive trade between India and the Middle East in early historic times and many Middle Eastern design ideas was transferred to Europe during the Crusades and during the Moorish invasions, i suspect that is the route you'll find the "heart" followed. As far as hearts themselves, there are numerous images and references to them at the Lucky W Amulet Archive. The primary page is the one on the flaming heart at http://www.luckymojo.com/flamingheart.html -- but to extract the most information from the Archive, go to the top-leavel page and just use my site's local search engine on the word "heart." The search engine is at http://www.luckymojo.com/LuckyW.html If you do turn up more information, please post it to alt.lucky.w, a newsgroup devoted to such esoterica. catherine yronwode Lucky Mojo Curio Co: http://www.luckymojo.com/luckymojocatalogue.html The Lucky W Amulet Archive: http://www.luckymojo.com/LuckyW.html Sacred Sex: http://www.luckymojo.com/sacredsex.html The Sacred Landscape: http://www.luckymojo.com/sacredland.html Freemasonry for Women: http://www.luckymojo.com/CoMasonry.html
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