Love is a universal emotion that connects humanity across cultures and throughout time. When two people find a deep, meaningful connection, they often wish to express their devotion in a symbolic way. This symbol becomes a representation of their eternal bond and commitment to one another. There are many symbols throughout history that represent an everlasting, unbreakable love. By exploring some of these symbols and their origins, we can better understand the diverse ways humans have conceptualized the idea of eternal love.
Historical Symbols of Eternal Love
Some of the most enduring symbols of eternal love originate from ancient mythologies and religions. Cultures around the world used symbolic imagery to convey the strength and longevity of romantic bonds. Here are a few examples:
The Circle
One of the most ubiquitous symbols of eternal love is the circle. Its circular shape, with no beginning or end, perfectly embodies the infinite, neverending nature of true love. The ancient Egyptians were one of the earliest cultures to use the circle to represent eternal life and love. In hieroglyphics, they called the circle the shen, which stood for protection. Over time, the circle was adopted by other cultures as well. Ancient Greek literature makes references to the circle as a symbol of endless love. The Greeks also associated the circle with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Later, in the Middle Ages, the circular shape of rings became linked with romance and marriage. For this reason, the wedding ring remains a strong symbol of eternal marital commitment to this day.
The Claddagh Ring
While wedding rings symbolize eternal love in many cultures, Ireland has a tradition of exchanging unique rings known as Claddagh rings. The Claddagh ring dates back to Roman times, but its current iteration originated in an Irish fishing village of the same name during the 17th century. The ring consists of two hands clasping a heart, topped with a crown. The hands represent friendship, the heart signifies love, and the crown symbolizes loyalty and commitment. Together, these three elements reflect the qualities of a perfect romantic union. Traditionally, one gives a Claddagh ring to a beloved to convey devotion. The ring’s inscription further emphasizes its meaning – “Let love and friendship reign.” For this deeply symbolic history, Claddagh rings remain a popular way for couples of Irish descent to commemorate their relationship.
The Taj Mahal
Some of the most magnificent architectural wonders were built as monuments of love. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India is one such landmark. In 1632, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed this ornate mausoleum in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. While the Taj Mahal serves as Mumtaz’s final resting place, it was designed as a tribute to their deep affection in life. The name Taj Mahal even translates to “Crown of Palaces,” an ode to Mumtaz’s beauty and status as the emperor’s most beloved wife. The Taj Mahal’s symmetrical layout, carved marble, and surrounding gardens create a vision of ethereal loveliness. Shah Jahan intended for the Taj Mahal to represent their love enduring beyond death and mortal constraints. Today, the gleaming ivory mausoleum stands as one of the ultimate global symbols of eternal love.
Pomegranate
In Greek mythology, the pomegranate represents the everlasting bond between lovers. The Greeks associated pomegranates with the story of Hades and Persephone. Persephone was the goddess of spring. When she was kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld, her mother Demeter mourned her disappearance. This caused the earth to become barren. To rescue Persephone from the underworld, it was decreed she could return to the earth’s surface if she had not consumed food there. Before leaving, Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds at Hades’ encouragement. This forever connected her to the underworld for six months out of each year. The varies months when Persephone resides in the underworld are associated with winter on earth, when plants cannot grow. Meanwhile, her return to the earth in spring allows flowers to bloom once more. So while Persephone was reunited with her mother, she was bound to return to Hades’ side for a portion of each year. In this legend, the pomegranate seeds bind two lovers together despite separation. That is why pomegranates became a symbol of the enduring binds of love in Greek culture and folklore.
Modern Symbols of Eternal Love
While ancient cultures established many traditional symbols of eternal love, modern practices have expanded these symbols even further. As times change, so do the stories, objects, and gestures used to represent neverending devotion. Here are some contemporary examples that signify eternal bonds today:
Love Locks
In recent decades, the practice of affixing “love locks” has swept through cities around the world. The concept began in Europe, with lovers locking padlocks to bridges as a sign of their enduring commitment. They would throw the key into the water below after latching the lock in place. Cities across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas now have love lock display spots with thousands of locks accumulating over time. Paris’s Pont des Arts bridge was one of the first major locations for the trend. Although officials have needed to prune back some love lock displays due to their sheer weight, the tradition remains popular. The permanence of the metal lock and key symbolize the enduring connection between two lovers. Their sacrifice of the key demonstrates relinquishing the relationship to fate. For many, attaching a love lock in a scenic spot is the ultimate modern symbol of eternal love.
Infinity Knots
Jewelry makers have adopted the infinity symbol as a contemporary representation of love without end. Infinity knots are a popular iteration of this concept in rings and necklaces today. These pieces intertwine everlasting knots or infinity symbols to signify eternal unity. Infinity knot jewelry comes in all varieties, from minimalist styles to ornate designs adorned with gems and precious metals. This jewelry makes a thoughtful gift between lovers for engagements, anniversaries, and other occasions. The gift of an infinity knot serves as a tactile emblem of their infinite and unbreakable bond as a couple.
Love Forever Wall Art
Artistic works featuring phrases like “love forever” or “love eternal” are trending in home decor. From removable wall decals to painted signs to custom art pieces, these romantic slogans adorn homes across the world. For modern couples, displaying wall art, canvas prints, or vinyl phrases with an eternal love theme personalizes their commitment. The art transforms an ordinary house into a home filled with meaning. As their lifelong relationship progresses, the daily reminder of their everlasting love reflected in the wall decor keeps their bond top of mind.
Matching Tattoos
Inking matching tattoos has become a popular way for modern couples to commemorate their soulmate-level connection. These permanent markings signify that their love will last forever. Couples will choose important dates, names, symbols, or shared mottoes as tattoo inspiration. They may opt for identical or complementary designs on their bodies. While past generations relied on material possessions as love symbols, tattoos allow contemporary couples to literally wear their eternal affection on their sleeves. Matching body art represents the ultimate blend of passion and permanence.
Timeless Themes of Eternal Love Symbols
The symbols mentioned all originate from different times and cultures. Despite this diversity, common themes emerge in these representations of everlasting love. The universal nature of these themes proves just how profoundly connected humanity is by love’s incredible power.
Infinity
The infinite nature of true love is one major theme seen across cultures. Eternal love symbols often incorporate visuals to represent infinity’s limitlessness. Circles, knots, and figure eights exemplify this concept in their loops without beginning or end. Their infinite loops reflect love’s boundless endurance. Explicit infinity symbols and signs reading “forever” also emphasize the concept. From ancient Egyptian ouroboros snakes to modern infinity necklaces, the infinite nature of love remains a go-to visual metaphor.
Interconnection
Interlocking, intertwining, and inseparable bonds are additional visual embodiments of love’s eternity. Symbols like Claddagh rings, love knots, and embrace statues depict two souls joining seamlessly as one. The message is clear – true love weaves two partners’ lives and fates indistinguishably together. This interconnectedness withstands any force seeking to break it apart. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan captured this inseparable link between partners in the very architecture of the Taj Mahal. The elaborate mausoleum centers on two graves placed side by side, emphasizing Mumtaz ultimately resting beside her beloved.
Permanence
The permanent, lasting nature of true love is reinforced through symbols conveying longevity and commitment. Diamonds’ reputation for indestructibility makes them apt representations. The wedding ring’s unbroken circular shape mirrors love’s ceaselessness. Locks evoke love’s permanence, with lovers “locking in” their relationship indefinitely. Tattoos also permanize a couple’s passion, engraved on their skin forever. Eternity symbols remind us that true love is permanent, overcoming all obstacles.
Reciprocity
Symbols frequently depict love as a reciprocal exchange between partners. Clasped hands, embracing couples, figurines of lovers staring into each other’s eyes – these images highlight mutual affection. Successful love relies on reciprocity, with both partners valued equally. Shared gifts like the Claddagh rings and love lock traditions also champion the reciprocal nature of true love. Both parties perform the ritual, receive the gift, and benefit from love’s positive effects. For love to last eternally, it must flow bilaterally.
Conclusion
Symbols hold incredible power to represent complex human emotions and ideas. When it comes to a feeling as profound and universal as eternal love, symbolic imagery captures its essence across cultures. Ancient societies relied on symbols like the circle, the Taj Mahal, and pomegranates to reflect everlasting devotion. Today, love locks, infinity knots, inspiring wall art, and matching tattoos carry that symbolic torch. Despite originating in different eras and locations, these symbols share common threads. Infinity, inseparability, permanence, and reciprocity are timeless features of love that transcend circumstance. Universal symbols will continue evolving across generations. Yet certain symbolic aspects of love – its limitless, binding, enduring nature – will forever remain iconic.