Late last year, I started planning a Valentine’s collection and began the search through my trays of antique and vintage pieces. I think if asked, most of us would be able to come up with usual symbols of love that have been around forever— hearts, cupids, roses and birds. Out of curiosity, I decided to research “symbols of love” in art and jewellery, and came up with several lists. I was hoping to come up with some fresh ideas, something new to use.
Because love is an emotion, artists have always sought things that could represent love in their creations—things that would symbolize romance, beauty and love.
Many of the symbols were taken from nature and music, and others were specific to individual cultures. Along with those mentioned earlier; swans, doves, shells, apples, three-leaf clovers, the maple leaf (I knew Canadians were romantics!) lotus flowers, the harp, rose quartz, the infinity symbol and the claddagh sign finished off the list. I’m sure there are others, but these were common to most of the lists.
Many of these symbols originated with the ancient Greeks, Romans, Celts, Hindus, Christians and Indigenous Peoples.
The rose represented the Virgin Mary, and was associated with the goddesses Isis, Aphrodite and Venus. Cupid was the god of love in Roman mythology and depicted with a bow and arrow used to shoot a hole in the hearts of the unsuspecting beings; now destined to follow in love.
Romans recognized the shell as a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love; and Indigenous Peoples associated shells with love and fertility. The harp symbolizes devotion and love in Christian and Celtic cultures.
It's such an interesting subject and if you’re a history nut, it’s definitely worth researching.
So back to my Valentine’s collection and my search for romantic pieces to use. I had a few of the traditional items on hand-roses and cupids, but will definitely be on the lookout for some of these newly discovered symbols that I've added to my list.
My new Sonnets Collection is currently available in my shop, and I will be adding more pieces throughout the year. After all, LOVE is something we need to celebrate year-round and Romance & Ruin has wonderful gift ideas when something romantic is the only thing that will do!
Keep sparkling!
Marian xo
We all have things that symbolize romance to us personally--for me it’s love letters, embroidered handkerchiefs, jewellery and perfume (all vintage of course!).
What things symbolize ROMANCE to you?
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If you’re a fan of period dramas, chances are you’re familiar with this fashion icon of the 1920’s, the Cloche. With the popularity of Downton Abbey and Boardwalk Empire in 2010, followed by Peaky Blinders in 2013, the fashions, jewellery and hats of the 1920s peaked our interest—and it certainly did mine. I fell in love with the classic bell shape silhouette of the hat and the beautiful detailing on them.
