With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, we must sometimes check our faces as we walk into grocery and department stores to make sure we didn’t leave home in our rose-colored glasses. Bundles of pink and red treasures line the shelves for shoppers looking to please their partners, providing countless opportunities for love-struck souls to reach out to that special someone. However, there is one symbol that for centuries has had our insides glowing, our cheeks burning and our loins tingling: the heart.

Anyone who has every slept through a high school science class knows that the human heart pumping blood through our veins looks nothing like the two mounds conjoined at a point – the shape synonymous in our time with love. So why is it that our own blood starts racing a little faster each time we see this stylized symbol? There is no certain answer, but the origins may lie in sexual evolution and ancient history.

One explanation is drawn from the writings of Pliny the Elder in his Natural History, written around 77 A.D. In it, he makes reference to the silphium concoction, also known as the laser, which is extracted from a fern like plant which had heart-shaped seeds. The plant was so revered in ancient times that these seeds were depicted on Minoan coins. Why might a seed be held in such high regard? Aside from being a tasty spice, silphium had a range of medicinal applications, not the least of which was contraception. When used in conjunction with a wool pessary or mixed into wine, Pliny tells us, silphium promoted menstruation. Listen closely and you will hear the sound of thousands of women running to the pharmacist to ask for birth control wine. Unfortunately for us, the silphium plant was so popular that it was eventually farmed out of existence. Nevertheless, the unmistakable shape of its seed, which in its time was synonymous with sex and passion, has survived to modernity.

But let’s not forget that biology and evolution have their stake in everything, and the heart symbol is no exception. Unlike the silphium plant, this possible origin of the heart symbol is still quite prevalent in society today. It is frequently suggested that the shape of a heart resembles a woman’s backside, the most essential, primal sexual image. Other female parts undeniably take the shape of the symbol as well, including the vulva and the breasts. Cleavage, anyone?

The heart symbol is accepted worldwide as a symbol of love. For those of us more historically inclined, there is tangible evidence of the heart shape occurring in silphium far back into prehistory. Those more apt to credit nature, or who just enjoy lady lumps, are satisfied in seeing the Valentine’s Day mascot in the sensual shapes of a female. Whatever the case, there is no denying, especially this time of year, that the heart symbol is rooted deep in our cultural consciousness.

Related posts:

1. Upminster: the U.K.’s Sexiest Place
2. Hydra Lubricant by Intimate Organics: A Natural Lube for Natural Lovemaking
3. I Like My Chocolate with a Side of Plant

Matters of the Heart: The Sexiest Symbol of All – by TickleSpot Magazine.

Over one half of teddy bears traded through the gas station and grocery store market are doomed to a life in the hall closet, as a dog chew, or in the toy bin at Goodwill. Alone. Unloved. In danger.

This Valentine’s Day, we at Tickle have vowed to bring awareness to their brave plight. Please don’t run into the Stop-n-Shop at 5:30 pm on February 14 and buy an endangered teddy bear for your loved one. The abuse ends here, with you, with one click.

“But I’m only one person!” you may squeak. “What can I do to help?” Just go to myticklespot.com and peruse a vast and boundless selection of pleasurable accessories (all guaranteed to be delivered in time!)  for your special someone – and maybe for yourself. Please. This holiday, leave the teddy bears for the children.

Warmest regards,

Team Tickle

Related posts:

1. How To Get My Boyfriend To Tickle Me
2. One Free Gift Card, Please. Oh Wait. You Mean For Real?

The North American Gas Station Teddy Bear is Under Attack – by TickleSpot Magazine.