<P> Greek . In the 6th - 5th century BC , the heart shape was used to represent the heart - shaped fruit of the plant Silphium , a plant possibly used as a contraceptive Many species in the parsley family have estrogenic properties , and some , such as wild carrot , were used to induce abortion . Silver coins from Cyrene of the 6 -- 5th BC bear a similar design , sometimes accompanied by a silphium plant and is understood to represent its seed or fruit . </P>
<P> Greek . In the 6th - 5th century BC , the heart shape was used to represent the heart - shaped fruit of the plant Silphium , a plant possibly used as a contraceptive Many species in the parsley family have estrogenic properties , and some , such as wild carrot , were used to induce abortion . Silver coins from Cyrene of the 6 -- 5th BC bear a similar design , sometimes accompanied by a silphium plant and is understood to represent its seed or fruit . </P>
where did the symbol for the heart come from
where did the symbol for the heart come from
Greek . In the 6th - 5th century BC
Greek . In the 6th - 5th century BC