Symbols Associated with Love and Valentine's Day

HEART

It was formerly believed that the heart was the seat of all human emotions. Accordingly, the gifting of a heart signified the selfless acts of giving everything to someone you love. Though the ancients were not aware that the heart was responsible for pumping blood though the circulatory system, yet they knew one thing for sure that the heart was the center of all feelings. This ancient belief has lingered on through the ages.

CUPID

The love and attraction that a man and a lady feel for one another is traditionally ascribed to the mythological god, Cupid. In Latin, the word Cupid means "desire." Cupid is represented as a naked, chubby boy with wings and possessing a mischievous smile. He carries a bow with a quiver of arrows which he uses to transfix the hearts of youths and maidens.

ROSE

From time immemorial, beloveds have been compared to roses. If we juggle the letters of the word ROSE we get EROS, who is the God of Love. Rose has thus been the traditional choice of lovers around the world. The colour red is associated with strong emotions and below are listed sentiments expressed by different hues of rose:-

Lavender -- Enchantment and Uniqueness

Orange -- Fascination

Pink (Dark) -- Thankfulness, Friendship and Admiration

Red -- Love, Respect and Courage

Peach -- Modesty, Gratitude, Admiration and Sympathy

Pink (Pale) -- Grace, Joy and Happiness

Deep Red -- Beauty and Passion

White -- Innocence, Purity, Secrecy, Silence, Reverence, Humility and (according to some sources) True Love

Yellow -- Joy, Friendship, Jealousy, Hope and Freedom

Black -- Farewell

Red/White -- Unity or Engagement

Yellow/Orange -- Passionate Thoughts

Peach -- Modesty, Gratitude, Admiration and Sympathy

Pink (Pale) -- Grace, Joy and Happiness

Yellow/Red -- Congratulations

Rosebud -- Beauty, Youth and a Heart Innocent of Love

Red Rosebud -- Purity and Loveliness

White Rosebud -- Girlhood

One Dozen Red Roses -- "I Love You"

Single Red Rose in Full Bloom -- "I Love You"

Tea Roses -- "I'll Remember Always"

DOVES and LOVE BIRDS

It was the popular belief that birds chose their mate for the year on February 14.Since doves and pigeons mate for life, they symbolize loyalty, fidelity and love. Lovebirds, the small birds with colorful plumage, commonly found in Africa, are so called because they tend to get cozy with each other and can't survive without each other. Doves...common urban birds, shy and gentle by nature, with a distinctive "cooing" call...symbolize loyalty, fidelity and love.

LOVE KNOTS They are made of ribbons and are traditional symbols of interminable and everlasting love.

Source: http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/symbols/