9 Things You Don’t Know About Valentine’s Day in France

As the clock strikes midnight on February 14th, the streets of France come alive with a tapestry of romance that is as vibrant and enchanting as the country itself. While Valentine’s Day in France may be celebrated with the same air of affection found worldwide, it carries a distinctive flair that reflects the nation’s rich cultural heritage and passion for love. From intimate candlelit dinners in quaint bistros to whimsical strolls under the iconic Eiffel Tower, each corner of this romantic haven offers couples an opportunity to express their devotion in uniquely French ways.

9 Things You Might Not Know About Valentine’s Day in France

The village of Saint Valentin in France has officially become the Village of Love

The transformation of Saint Valentin into the Village of Love took place on February 14th, marking a poignant moment in its history. This quaint French village has long been associated with romance and affection, making it the perfect choice for this enchanting rebranding. Couples from around the world flock to Saint Valentin to immerse themselves in its romantic ambiance, creating lasting memories in a truly idyllic setting.

Walking through the charming streets of the village, one can’t help but feel the palpable sense of love that permeates every corner. The cobblestone pathways lined with blooming flowers and cozy cafes exude an irresistible charm that captivates visitors and locals alike. It’s not just about celebrating love on Valentine’s Day; it’s about embracing a way of life centered around love and connection throughout the year.

You can get a Certificate Aux Amoureux (Lovers Certificate) from the Mayor of Saint Valentin

Couples visiting the charming French town of Saint Valentin can now receive a Certificat Aux Amoureux, a unique gesture from the Mayor to commemorate their love. This romantic tradition dates back to the 1980s when the Mayor wanted to honor the spirit of love that permeates the town, named after St. Valentine himself. The certificate is not just a piece of paper; it symbolizes unity and devotion in relationships.

The process is simple yet meaningful – couples need only present themselves at the Mayor’s office, where they are warmly welcomed and presented with their official Certificats Aux Amoureux. It is an experience filled with warmth and love, creating memories that last a lifetime. The history behind this endearing ritual adds depth and significance to relationship milestones, making it more than just a formality but a truly heartfelt moment for couples in love.

Valentine’s Day is for adults, not kids

Valentine’s Day may be often associated with kids exchanging cards in school, but the truth is, this holiday has a rich history dating back centuries that is rooted in love and romance between adults. It’s a day when couples have the chance to celebrate their relationships and deepen their connection through thoughtful gestures and quality time spent together. While kids can certainly enjoy the innocence of Valentine’s Day, it truly holds more significance for adults who are navigating the complexities of love and partnership.

The French aren’t big on giving Valentine’s Day cards

Many people may be surprised to learn that the French aren’t as enthusiastic about giving Valentine’s Day cards as other cultures. This tradition has its roots in a more subtle approach to romance, with many French couples preferring to express their love through intimate gestures rather than commercialized cards. When it comes to celebrating love, the French often prioritize quality time spent together rather than material gifts.

The history of Valentine’s Day in France dates back centuries, but the modern day tradition of exchanging cards became popularized much later. Instead of extravagant displays of affection on February 14th, many French couples choose to show their love throughout the year through thoughtful acts and genuine connections. While some may view this as less traditional, it speaks to a deeper understanding of what it means to truly cherish and nurture a romantic relationship.

Valentine’s Day in France used to be a loterie d’amour (lottery of love)

In the past, Valentine’s Day in France wasn’t just about exchanging flowers and chocolates; it was a day filled with anticipation and excitement as couples participated in the loterie d’amour or the lottery of love. This tradition involved men and women gathering in houses facing each other and taking turns calling out to their chosen partner from across the street.

Over time, societal norms shifted, and the loterie d’amour gradually lost popularity as more modern forms of courtship took over. However, this intriguing piece of history serves as a reminder of how love can be found in unexpected places and moments. The No 5 Valentine’s Day loterie d’amour may have faded into obscurity, but its legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring pursuit of connection and companionship among lovers throughout history.

The Duke of Orléans, a French nobleman is thought to have written the very first Valentine’s poem

While the exact date is unclear, historians believe that the Duke of Orleans penned the first Valentine’s poem while imprisoned in the Tower of London in the early 15th century. This act of romantic expression, shared between lovers separated by circumstance, ignited a tradition that has resonated through history. The allure of his words transcends time, capturing the hearts of couples even to this day.

The Duke’s poetic gesture embodies both longing and hope, themes that continue to define love stories throughout history. In an era marked by tumultuous political landscapes and societal constraints, his words serve as a beacon of love and connection for couples facing adversity. It is a reminder that love can flourish even under challenging circumstances and across vast distances.

France didn’t invent the Valentine’s Day Holiday

Contrary to popular belief, France did not invent Valentine’s Day. The holiday traces its origins back to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February as a pagan fertility ritual. It wasn’t until the 5th century that Pope Gelasius I recast this festival as a Christian feast day and named it after St. Valentine. This historical shift highlights the transformation of a pagan celebration into a Christian holiday centered around love and devotion.

Valentine’s Day has evolved over centuries to become synonymous with romance and affection between couples. The exchange of handwritten notes, gifts, and tokens of love has become an integral part of modern celebrations worldwide. While France may be famous for its romantic reputation, the true origins of Valentine’s Day reveal a universal celebration of love that transcends national boundaries and cultural differences.

How to say “Happy Valentines” in French

Contrary to popular belief, France did not invent Valentine’s Day. The holiday traces its origins back to ancient Rome, where the festival of Lupercalia was celebrated in mid-February as a pagan fertility ritual. It wasn’t until the 5th century that Pope Gelasius I recast this festival as a Christian feast day and named it after St. Valentine. This historical shift highlights the transformation of a pagan celebration into a Christian holiday centered around love and devotion.

The French created the symbol of love, the heart

The French have long been credited with popularizing the symbol of love, the heart. With its origins dating back to the 15th century, the stylized heart shape we know today was first used in France as a decorative motif on playing cards. Over time, this symbol became associated with expressions of affection and romantic sentiments.

Interestingly, it was not until the 18th century that the heart shape became closely linked to romantic love and relationships. During this time, French couples began exchanging heart-shaped tokens as symbols of their devotion. This cultural trend quickly spread throughout Europe and eventually worldwide, solidifying the heart as a universal emblem of love.

FAQs

What is a fun fact about Valentine’s Day in France?

Typically the French do not send cards at all on La Saint-Valentin and additionally they do not send out valentines gifts to their friends, only to their lovers

What tradition got banned in France that used to be a part of Valentine’s Day?

A former Valentine’s Day custom, which was officially banned, was that of ‘la loterie d’amour‘, translated as ‘lottery of love’. Single people, both young and old, would go into their houses, (the houses all facing in on each other during this period), and call out until they were paired off with each other.

What is Valentine’s called in France?

Known as “le jour de la Saint-Valentin” in French, the way Valentine’s Day is celebrated in France has some interesting differences compared to the United States.

What is Valentine famous for?

He is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy, and beekeepers. By some accounts, St. Valentine was a Roman priest and physician who was martyred during the persecution of Christians by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus about 270.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply