I learned of a couple special characters — that are available in Google Docs (and I’m sure elsewhere).
The ❧ symbol (called a hedera, fleuron, or sometimes ivy leaf) has a long history in printing. It was used in early manuscripts and typeset books as a section break, paragraph marker, or decorative divider — much like how we use ⁂ or — today. There is a reversed form too. These look like a heart leaf.
📜 How it was historically used
- To mark the end of one thought and the beginning of another
- To separate short devotional entries or proverbs
- As a gentle visual pause between paragraphs
- As a decorative element in prayer books, hymnals, and poetry collections
It was not a loud ornament, but a quiet little flourish.
The ⁂ (asterism) is a traditional section-break symbol used in older books, essays, devotionals, and classic literature. It signals a pause, shift in thought, or new entry, but more gently than a new chapter heading.
It is often used:
- Between short, related reflections
- To show a transition in a sermon or devotional book
- To divide scenes in fiction (before modern “***” breaks)
- In journals or commonplace books to separate thoughts