Eternal Love: The Sacred Heart and Its Use in Mexican Folklore and Art

During Valentine's Day season, you’re likely to see motifs of a heart with flame at the top known as el corazón sagrado, or "the sacred heart." It shows up everywhere in Mexico, from pop art and fine art, jewelry and T-shirts, tattoos and candles, gift wrap and more. Popular throughout the history of Roman Catholic culture, the symbol may date back even further than that. The sacred heart is a beloved symbol representing hope, pain, beauty, faith and love, but there is so much more to this iconic symbol.

A wounded heart surrounded by a crown of thorns and radiating a beautiful halo of light is the original image seen in Roman Catholicism, dating back to the 11th century. But the modern form we know today is said to have originated in 1673 with a French nun, Margaret Mary Alacoque, who claimed she saw an apparation of Christ with light shining from his wounds. She described his chest opening and light shining from his heart. The iconic image is often shown in the center of a figure of Jesus, or in his hands. “The sacred heart symbolizes Jesus' heart, embodying his divine love and compassion for humanity within the context of Catholic belief,” says Rose Mendoza of Dulce Vida Travel and author of the new book Mexican Folk Hearts.

The sacred heart’s connection to Mexico dates back to the 16th century and the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire. Catholicism was introduced through missionaries and el corazón sagrado became woven into Mexican culture and spirituality. “The concept of the sacred heart eventually resonated with the Mexican community as it evolved to represent compassion, a connection between their traditional beliefs and the indoctrination of the Catholic faith,” says Mendoza. You'll find many versions of painted tin hearts all over Mexico. Scroll through Instagram to find an array of illustrators, artists, designers, poets and small businesses celebrating the sacred heart.

There are vast variations of the sacred heart — some cute and simple, others ornate. They all mix and match similar elements: A flame representing eternal hope, a bleeding heart and thorns representing pain and sacrifice, and shining rays of light to show the strength of spirit and love. It’s no wonder why this symbol is so adored — it stands for universal, undying, eternal love.

To see sacred hearts in all their glory, visit San Miguel de Allende. Located in Guanajuato, México, this charming city is an official Pueblo Mágico aka "Magic Town," cultural destinations designated by the Mexican government for their historic "magical" qualities in folklore, art, cuisine, nature and more. San Miguel de Allende is often referred to as the heart of the country because it is located in the center. You’ll see corazón sagrados in all shapes and forms throughout the town.

Mexican designer Paola del Carmen Gonzalez Alvarez, of handbag and accessories shop Mexico en la Piel, incorporates the sacred heart into her fashion collection because it represents love for her culture. She had a vision for her corazón earrings and worked with artisans, in Taxco, Mexico, to bring them to life. They are now beloved by her customers. “I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, so I grew up seeing sacred hearts everywhere,” says the 27-year-old designer. “From seeing paintings at church when I was little, to going to different restaurants and seeing the [sacred heart decorations], I realized at a young age how much they really mean to us. Now living in the US, it brings nostalgia to me, reminding me of my childhood and all the places we've traveled that we have seen in different ways.”

Here are some awesome ideas to incorporate this lovely design into your decor: For minimalists, try adding one large tin or wood heart or a painting as a wall statement. If you prefer a boho vibe, curate a larger collection and arrange them artfully on shelves or your walls. Support your local artists in your city and see if any of them have original pieces you can incorporate into your decor. You can’t go wrong being surrounded by hearts, especially around Valentine’s Day!

Many artists have taken creative liberty with the corazón sagrado. Beyond the flame and crown of thorns, you’ll often see flowers or cacti adorning the top of the heart in place of a flame, wings on the sides or even mal de ojo, commonly referred in English the "evil eye," a symbol recognized by many cultures to ward off evil intentions and spirits. This proves how the sacred heart has a personal meaning for each person and the way they express themselves.

If you want to make a sacred heart this Valentine season, use air-dry clay to sculpt your own corazón. Try painting a mural in your creative space, or find a local pottery studio or paint-and-sip event to design your own mug with a sacred heart. Use polymer clay or even tin to handcraft a pair of earrings. Use fondant to make gorgeous sacred heart-topped cupcakes.