I ♥ (insert word here) [revised]

The symbol “♥” is easily recognized as being a heart, even though it may only vaguely resemble a human heart, and is commonly used to represent the emotion of love. How specific and true is this symbol and the word “heart” to only meaning love? In a strictly biological sense, the heart is “The hollow muscular or otherwise contractile organ which, by its dilatation and contraction, keeps up the circulation of the blood in the vascular system of an animal” (OED). In this sense a “heart,” used in its simplest form, is the central motor organ to our vascular system. But, the heart and its symbol have become more than just an organ and today is used widely to represent many things.

The actual symbol “♥” originated from other symbols that represent union and togetherness (symbols.com). It is even related to the symbol for unisex bathrooms in Sweden. Certainly symbols have been used as a main form of written language with Egyptians, cave writing, and calligraphy. But a more Western meaning is of love, passion, and sex. Valentine’s Day in the United States is saturated with the symbol and it is used for marketing on this one holiday. In a more contemporary setting, the symbol has been used as a lighter form to mean liking something. For example, t-shirts that say “I ♥ NY” or “I ♥ Obama.” The symbol is read to mean that the individual loves something, or at least likes it. Using this symbol denotes a lighter usage of the word love in which case someone may not necessarily have a strong feeling or passion for something they “♥”, but rather they may simply like something.

The word as discussed earlier has a literal meaning of being the central organ that pumps blood through our vascular system. It is a symbol of our core innards that keeps our blood flowing. Hence, the usage of it being the center or reason when “getting to the heart of the matter.” Ancient Mayans and Aztecs are both known for their human sacrifices where the sacrificial human’s beating heart was pulled out of their chest. They believed the heart was the center of a person’s soul and therefore controlled the emotions and personality of a person. In this case the heart of a person, or the center of the person was their soul, or origin of emotions and personality.

The heart is also a source of energy and strength. In sports when a person puts passion and effort into the game, they exert extra energy and power. They are said to have played with heart. In this sense, “heart” seems to mean passion, a form of love and commitment, for the sport. Of course “heart” cannot be completely separated from “love”. When used, the word itself implies love. Especially when used as someone being heartbroken or a heart-felt action.

“♥” and “heart” both have multiple meanings and usages in our vernacular today and can be very ambiguous at times. “♥” is even replacing the actual word “heart” in several digital environments including myspace and facebook. T-shirts that say "I ♥ NY" are read as "I heart New York" indicating that the wearer of the shirt either loves or likes New York. But why can't it be read as "I am the central organ that keeps the blood of New York flowing?" Certainly then "heart" will be used in its simplest form. Couldn't heart surgeons then use "♥" as a way to describe what organ they are operating on? Or even sports articles will describe players playing with "♥." Some day symbols may again become a main form of written language similar to calligraphy. Even the artist formerly known as Prince has used symbolism to name himself. This poses the question whether or not “♥” will be accepted as a word, and what will it mean?