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Throughout the years, many different symbols have been used to represent love. While red roses and hearts remain some of the most popular symbols of love today, there are many others that don't always spring to mind. Click through the gallery and discover the meaning behind the symbology of love.

▲Roses are commonly associated with love and passion. Red roses, in particular, are commonly given to loved ones on special occasions such as Valentine's Day.

▲The link between roses and love dates back to Greek and Roman mythology. It's associated with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, and with Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

▲Years later, Christianity used roses as a symbol of Virgin Mary's virtue. The classic red rose was popularized by many poets, including Shakespeare and Gertrude Stein. It remains one of the most popular symbols of love and passion.

▲Nothing better represents romantic love than a heart. The heart symbolizes the center of all emotions in humans, including love.

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The heart shape was first used to depict love in a 14th-century illustration of a poem by Francesco Barberino called 'Documenti d’amore.'

▲Years later, a 15th-century tapestry called 'Le don du Coeur' (The Gift of the Heart) pictured a man holding a heart. The ideograph continues to be used to this day as a metaphor for love.

▲In Roman mythology, Cupid is the son the goddess of love, Venus, and the war god, Mars. Cupid is the god of desire, attraction, and erotic love.

▲Cupid is usually depicted as a little chubby boy with a bow and arrow, which he uses to make people fall in love. He's also sometimes portrayed as being blindfolded.

▲Most of the Greek mythology gods and goddesses were adopted by the Romans. Cupid is known as Eros in Greek mythology.

▲The love knot is a Celtic love symbol. Its interlocking pattern symbolizes the union between two lovers.

▲This knot symbolizes love and affection. These are also known as sailors' wedding rings.

▲The interlocked nature of knots is often associated with union and eternal love.

▲Swans are used as a symbol of love in both Greek and Roman mythology.

▲Swans' necks form the shape of a heart when joined together. These birds are also known to mate for life.

▲The apple has been used as symbol of love, desire, and temptation in many cultures.

▲It's associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and with the biblical story of Adam and Eve.

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The Celts associated the apple with desire, and the gods in Norse mythology eat golden apples to stay young and immortal.

▲In Christan tradition, two doves together is a symbol of fidelity and chastity in marriage.

▲The Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, is usually portrayed with doves surrounding or resting on her.

▲Originally from Ireland, the Claddagh ring is surrounded by myths and legends.

▲The Claddagh ring symbolizes love, friendship, and loyalty.

▲The protective nature of the shell makes it a perfect symbol for love.

▲Sandro Botticelli's famous painting, 'The Birth of Venus,' depicts the Roman goddess of love emerging from the sea, standing on a shell.

▲Traditionally a symbol of Ireland, the three-leaf clover has its roots in the legend of St. Patrick. The three leaves symbolize the Christian Holy Trinity.

▲It's considered to be a symbol of love and hope. Some couples use them on their wedding day for good luck.

▲This ancient Egyptian symbol is also known as the key of life. It's used to represent life and immortality.

▲The Ankh is also known to be a symbol of fertility. The loop is said to be associated with a woman's womb.

▲In China and Japan, a red maple leaf is used to represent lovers. It's also used as a reminder of beauty.

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Reportedly, North American settlers used to place a maple leaf at the foot of the bed to attract pleasure, ward off evil spirits, and have a good night's sleep.