The Variety Club 1997 Gold Dove Heart Pin (New, Unused) - Mother's Day Gift

The Variety Club 1997 Gold Dove Heart Pin (New, Unused - Badge for a global fundraising initiative to help children in need) The heart symbol, widely recognized as an emblem of affection, has origins shrouded in mystery. The earliest known heart-shaped motif was discovered as a pendant in the Indus Valley Civilization. Additionally, the shape bears a striking resemblance to the leaves of the water lily, which in ancient Indian culture symbolized fertility. Another potential influence is the fruit pod of the silphium plant, which in ancient Roman times was used as an aphrodisiac, suggesting it might also be a source of the modern heart shape. The earliest known work to represent the heart using this symbol dates back to the 13th century French romance, "Le Roman de la Poire" (The Romance of the Pear). Following this, the heart symbol gained greater popularity with the spread of playing cards, particularly its association with the suit of hearts. By the 17th century, the heart shape had become a definitive representation of the heart and, concurrently, a symbol of love. Perhaps due to its ease of recognition, replication, and its universally appealing meaning, the heart shape has remained a constant in women's fashion since the 18th century. In the 18th century, court ladies would paste silk cutouts in the shape of hearts onto their faces to accentuate their features. When printers began promoting Valentine's Day cards in the 19th century, the heart immediately became synonymous with the holiday. Marilyn Yalom, former director of Stanford University's ** nghiên cứu của phụ nữ và giới tính (Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies)**, once pointed out that the heart shape, as a relatively abstract symbol, can sometimes convey inner feelings more effectively than concrete words. "The heart may just be a symbol, but it's very useful, especially since love itself is such a difficult concept to define," Yalom stated. "Men and women throughout the ages have tried to find words to describe their experiences: fondness, affection, infatuation, dependence, intimacy, romance, desire, or true love. And when words fall short, we look for symbols."