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The heart symbol, known today throughout the western world as the symbol for love and affection, has actually been has been evolving both in shape and meaning for thousands of years.

The shape is thought to be a combination of ideograms. It incorporates the symbols for fire or flight from the middle ages along with its equivalent counterpart from the open sign structures. It then combines the symbol for togetherness to form the modern icon.

Historically, the meaning of the heart symbol grew from its use as a religious icon. Ancient Egyptians called the heart symbol Ieb, believing it was the center of all consciousness, the center of life itself. It was the only organ not removed during mummification. Among Christians, it stands for charity, hope or forgiveness as is the case in the Sacred Heart. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Taoists, Celts and others religions have used the heart icon in some form. Generally speaking, the heart was the center of thought, emotion or the soul, the center of one's being.

Today, although most of the religious icons and meanings endure, the Western world has adopted the heart as the official symbol of love. A few exceptions should be noted. Amongst Americans, growing concern with their growing waistlines, has prompted many restaurants to include healthy choices on their menus indicated by a heart symbol. Finally, in Sweden, don't expect romance in the room with the heart on the door. Sweden associates the heart symbol with rest rooms.