The Heart of Swede Love: Why the Heart Means So Much in Swedish Culture

At Swede Love, the heart is more than just our logo — it’s our symbol for love, connection, and the simple joy of being together. But in Sweden, the heart (hjärta) has a special meaning that runs deep through generations, art, and everyday life.

Walk into any Swedish home and you’ll spot a heart somewhere — carved in wood, stitched into linens, or hanging from a window at Christmas. In traditional Swedish folk art, the heart represents kärlek (love) and hemma (home). It’s a symbol of warmth and welcome — a reminder that love and kindness are part of daily life, not just special occasions.

The heart’s shape is also found in Swedish straw ornaments, embroidery, and the red-painted wooden decor that fills cozy Nordic cottages. You’ll often see woven paper hearts (flätade hjärtan) hanging on Christmas trees — a craft that’s both beautiful and symbolic of connection.

If you’re curious how this tradition shows up in our designs, you’ll find it woven into a few of our coziest sweatshirts — simple, heartfelt pieces inspired by Swedish folk art and everyday life.