Uncover the ancient roots of human emotional expression, where specific body parts were linked to particular emotions, and explore how these connections have evolved over time.
The Ancient Roots of Embodied Emotions
For over three millennia, humans have linked specific emotions to particular body parts. From the heart’s association with love and happiness to the stomach’s connection with sadness and distress, these early connections may have been more universal than we think.
A Glimpse into Ancient Mesopotamian Culture
Researchers have catalogued words for body parts and emotions used by people living in Mesopotamia between 934 and 612 BCE. By comparing these ancient ideas etched on clay tablets and other artifacts to modern-day links, the team was able to visualize similarities and differences using bodily maps.
A study published in iScience reveals that people from this ancient civilization described happiness as being felt in the liver, a notion that is still reflected in modern language. Similarly, they associated love with the heart, knees, and liver, which aligns with our contemporary understanding of these emotions. However, there were also significant differences – for example, anger was linked to the legs and feet, whereas today we experience it in the upper parts of the body.
The Significance of Embodied Emotions
Lead author Juha Lahnakoski notes that certain body areas continue to be used in similar contexts across cultures. For instance, the heart remains associated with positive emotions like love, pride, and happiness. However, other connections have faded over time, such as the stomach’s link to sadness.
Lahnakoski explains that embodied emotions can offer insights into how we experience feelings and why certain emotional associations may be more deeply rooted than others. By examining ancient cultures, researchers can better understand which connections are universal and which have evolved over time.
A New Perspective on Emotions
The study highlights the importance of considering cultural context when studying emotions. Lahnakoski comments that our current language and environment may shape our feelings in ways we’re not aware of. By exploring the past, researchers can gain a more nuanced understanding of embodied emotions and their significance in human experience.
As we continue to navigate complex emotional landscapes, it’s essential to appreciate the rich history behind these connections. The ancient roots of embodied emotions offer a fascinating glimpse into how humans have understood and experienced feelings throughout history.
- sciencenews.org | Humans have linked emotions to the same body parts for 3,000 years
