The 14th of February (Valentines Day) is considered the day of love and lovers in Germany and other countries. But why is that? You can read all about the meaning of Valentine’s Day, its history and customs here
Every year on February 14 is Valentine’s Day. In Germany, and many other countries around the world, this date is used to give flowers and chocolates, to express affection, or even to get married. Evil tongues claim that Valentine’s Day is an invention of florists and chocolate makers, but the custom goes back many hundreds of years.
Saint Valentin von Terni, Illumination of a medieval manuscript (14th century)
Meaning of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day was originally the feast day for Bishop Valentine of Terni in Italy. There are many legends surrounding this Saint. For example, it is said he performed the ceremonies to marry soldiers, although it was forbidden to do so. Another story says that he gave flowers from his garden to lovers. The tradition of celebrating romantic love on this day developed in the 14th century.
Origin of Valentine’s Day
Saint Valentine is considered the “Father of Valentine’s Day”. He lived in the 3rd century and was Bishop of Interamna, today’s Terni in Umbria which is central Italy. Many traditions also speak of a Valentine of Rome. It may be the same person.
Nowadays, there are so many myths and legends surrounding Valentine of Terni that it can be assumed that the stories of different people have mixed up or that some have simply been invented or wrongly handed down.
It is certain that Valentine of Terni died as a martyr. He was supposedly executed on February 14, 269 AD, and 200 years later, the church therefore established February 14 as a day of remembrance. This is how Valentine’s Day in the original sense came about.
The Legends
The legends surrounding the life and work of Saint Valentine contributed to the significance of Valentine’s Day. These include, for example, the following stories:
Valentine of Terni was supposedly known as a miracle healer. As a result, he is said to have won many people over to become of Christian faith, which landed him in prison at the time of the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. During his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the blind daughter of an overseer and sent her a love letter before his death, which he signed “Your Valentine”.
As a priest, Valentine of Terni is said to have performed ceremonies to marry soldiers despite the ban. In many stories, this is the reason for his execution. Marriage was forbidden at that time, especially for soldiers, and it is precisely these that Bishop Valentin is said to have blessed them with their beloved wives. Supposedly, the marriages he married were under a particularly good star.
Legend has it that Bishop Valentin was also an avid gardener. He is said to have given flowers to all lovers who passed by his monastery garden. He also gave plants as a gift to the bride and groom whom he married (illegally) to Christians.
How do Germans celebrate Valentine’s Day?
In Germany, Valentine’s Day became popular especially after the end of World War II – probably due to the economic miracle and social prosperity, but also due to the US soldiers stationed in Germany, who brought the custom with them from America.
Traditionally, lovers in Germany and Austria give each other flowers and sweets for Valentine’s Day. Cards or letters as well as perfume and jewelry are also on the gift list. And this despite the fact that more than 58 percent would be more happy about a joint activity than about material things. (Statista)
The statistics show that men are more likely to give flowers (33%) and travel (16%), while women are more likely to give a dinner together (31%) and other personal items (21%).
However, the significance of Valentine’s Day does not seem to be very great in Germany. Around 40 percent of Germans believe that you don’t need a special day like Valentine’s Day to show your affection. As many as 75 percent are of the opinion that Valentine’s Day has no meaning for love and is a purely commercial holiday.
What is the significance of Valentine’s Day in other countries?
In Italy, lovers attach so-called love locks on Valentine’s Day. The locks are given names and attached to bridge railings. The key is then thrown into the water – since love hopefully lasts forever, the lock never has to be opened again. This custom is now also known independently of Valentine’s Day in Germany and other countries.
In Japan, Valentine’s Day gifts come mainly from women. Traditionally, they give dark chocolate to partners or husbands, but also to friends, relatives, colleagues and the boss. A month later, it’s the men’s turn to give the women white chocolate.
In Sweden, Valentine’s Day has only been celebrated since the 1980s. There it is called “Day of All Hearts” and traditionally red wine gum hearts are given away.
In other countries, other days are more important for lovers than Valentine’s Day. In Wales, for example, it is 25 January, the feast day of St Dwynwen, the patron saint of love. Here, artistically carved wooden spoons are given away.
In Spain, instead, the 23rd of April is significant, the Dia de St. Jordi. Women mostly give books as gifts, while men give a single red rose.
In Finland, by the way, friendship is celebrated on Valentine’s Day. So if you’re single or just not a romantic, why not just give your best friends a little gift?
Reference: Stuttgarter Nachrichten
