Heart Shape

[ll_billym]

The heart shape as used in art. valentines cards, etc, etc, is quite removed from the what a real heart looks like. 

 

How long has the stylised shape been used and who (person or civilisation) invented it?  And any other "heart shape" facts you wish to throw in please.........

[amarillis]

This link has a few explanations...

http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=383401

[Peter Pedant]

It's a good site for a good question.

Hearts mean different things (are symbolically different) in varying times and cultures.

It's only after 1630 (late late late) that it becomes accepted as a muscle pump.....

[HeratthePC]

And a smuttier explanation i've heard is that the red heart-shape is a stylised depiction of open female genetilia.