History of heart shape [changed title]

Factual Questions
1

What is the history of the “heart shape.” I don’t think it looks like the human heart at all.

2

Apparently no one is certain, but this may help:

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a2_146.html

3

hearts sort of ARE heart shape in a “draw it really really abstract” sort of way.

4

indo985

Welcome to the board. It helps everyone to have descriptive titles. I’ve changed the title for you.

DrMatrix - GQ Moderator

5

There is a beautiful book on the history of medicine, art, religion and symbolism to do with the heart that might be worthwhile looking up.

The Book Of The Heart by Louisa Young.

6

I have the theory that it represents a gently parted vulva rather than buttocks. The top cleft being the representation of the clitoris. The bright red blood color becomes more appropriate in this theory.