The heart has been a powerful symbol throughout history, appearing in various forms across different cultures, religions, and artistic movements. Its use transcends biological function, representing love, faith, spirituality, and sorrow. Let’s explore the significance of the heart in ancient Egyptian traditions, Christian iconography, furniture design, and its enduring presence in playing cards.
The Heart in Ancient Egypt: The Symbol of Life and Judgment
The heart, known as “ib,” held a deep spiritual significance in ancient Egypt. It was considered the centre of thought, emotion, and willpower. In Egyptian funerary practices, the heart was central to life and crucial in death. Egyptians believed the heart would be weighed against the feather of Ma’at, the goddess of truth and justice, during the judgment of the dead. If the heart were deemed pure, the soul would enter the afterlife. Due to its importance, the heart was often depicted as a symbol on amulets placed within tombs to protect the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.
The Heart in Christian Iconography: Love, Sorrow, and Faith
In Christian symbolism, the heart is a central motif representing various aspects of spirituality. A highly conventionalized human heart is used in Christian art, often pierced or flaming, to signify profound religious concepts.
A pierced heart typically represents the sorrows of Christ and the Virgin Mary, often seen in depictions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This imagery evokes Christ’s suffering and Mary’s compassion for humanity. A flaming heart symbolises divine love, charity, and religious fervour, often associated with saints known for their deep devotion. Saints like St. Catherine of Siena have been depicted with flaming hearts, symbolizing their burning passion for God and the Church.
The Heart in Furniture Design: A Decorative Touch
The symbolic use of the heart extends beyond religious and spiritual imagery, finding its place in furniture design. The heart-back chair, a style originating in 18th century America, is named for the heart-shaped cutout often found on the backrest. This simple yet elegant design detail adds a sense of warmth and affection to the craftsmanship of the chair.
Later, in the late 19th century, the heart shape reappeared in the Art Nouveau movement, which celebrated natural forms and organic shapes. Heart-shaped apertures were often cut into chair backs and surfaces, reflecting the movement’s love for flowing lines and emotional expression.
The Heart in Playing Cards: A Symbol of Faith and Fortune
The heart as a suit sign in playing cards is one of the most recognizable uses of this symbol. The English deck features the heart alongside spades, clubs, and diamonds, while the French pack refers to hearts as coeurs. This suit sign originates in European card traditions, with variations across countries.
In German card decks, hearts are referred to as herzen, while Italian and Spanish decks feature cups (coppe) and chalices (copas). These symbols may have represented the Church, faith, and even drunkenness in medieval times, depending on the context in which the cards were used.
The heart suit, while now primarily associated with love and emotions in modern times, once held deeper meanings tied to spirituality and human virtues.
Conclusion: A Symbol of Endless Interpretation
From ancient Egypt to modern playing cards, the heart remains a potent symbol with multiple layers of meaning. Whether representing life and judgment, divine love, or simply a decorative flourish in furniture design, the heart is a universal motif in art, design, and culture.
Sources
Ware, D., Stafford, M. (1984). An Illustrated Dictionary of Ornament. United States: St. Martin’s Press.
Discover more from Encyclopedia of Design
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.