French Valentine's Day traditions, events and festivals. Although French Valentine's Day is not what visitors might expect, there are some traditions that most people look forward to each year. Saint-Valentin Festival 1,500 years later, Valentine’s Day is a trendy celebration in many countries, especially France. On Valentine’s Day, the excitement is palpable: from exchanging greeting cards to giving red roses, chocolate boxes, and sweet-hearted candies with affectionate messages, everything serves as a reason to celebrate love. Loterie d’amour (Lovers’ lottery) One interesting Valentine’s Day tradition in France was the old “loterie d’amour” or “drawing for love.”This Gaelic tradition involved unmarried men and women drawing lots for the name of a partner with whom they want to spend the evening or continue a relationship until marriage. The tradition of sending Valentine’s cards and poems grew from these early expressions of love and continues to be a central part of Valentine’s Day celebrations today. No 7 France Didn’t Invent the Valentine’s Day Holiday Le 14 février, c’est La Saint Valentin en France : la fête de l’amour et des amoureux. February 14th is Valentine’s day in France: the day for love and people in love. Careful though – unlike English cultures, Valentine’s day in France is only for people “in” love, not just loving/friendship gestures. What are the traditions for Valentine’s Day in France? By and large, the traditions around la fête de la Saint-Valentin in France are pretty much the same as anywhere in the world. It’s celebrated every year on February 14th, with people offering a romantic card and/or gift to their significant other. La Saint-valentin – Valentine’s Day in France. There are many different answers to this question as to the origins of St Valentine’s Day remain something of a mystery. While this tradition began as a Christian liturgy festival celebrating the various saints named Valentinus gradually, myths were added to this celebration of 14th February. Valentine’s Day used to be a matchmaking day in France where men and women would shout at each other from across the street to couple up. If men were not happy with their match, they could choose again. The snubbed women would traditionally gather around a bonfire to burn pictures or effigies of the men who had dumped them. Thus, the holiday in France is often called le jour de la Fête des Amoreux, or “Lovers’ Day”. Similar to other English-speaking countries, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th in France. Phrases for Valentine’s Day cards in French. To say, “my dear” when addressing a Valentine’s Day card to a man, say, mon chéri. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, lovers celebrate their love. It is traditional to give a gift to your partner on this special day. In France, many couples celebrate this day. Romantic dinners, small gifts, chocolates, etc. celebrating Valentine’s Day in France is important for those who love each other. The tradition of sending Valentine’s cards dates back to the 15th century. Today, it’s one of the most enduring customs of the holiday. While we used to write hand-penned love letters, now we buy cards in stores or make our own, often with humor, heart, and a touch of glitter. Learn about unique Valentine's Day traditions to make your celebration extra special—all from places around the world like France, Germany, and the Philippines. Learn about unique Valentine's Day traditions to make your celebration extra special—all from places around the world like France, Germany, and the Philippines. The Evolution of Valentine’s Day Traditions. As Valentine’s Day evolved over the centuries, various customs and traditions emerged. In England, it became customary for people to exchange valentines, small tokens of affection, and love letters. These handwritten notes often featured romantic verses, declarations of love, and artistic Valentines Day Traditions and Customs. Romantic festival of St Valentine's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and fond regard in several countries around the world. Most commonly observed Valentine's Day tradition and custom is expressing one's love with an exchange of cards, flowers and gifts. Learn about how countries across the globe celebrate Valentine's Day including February 14 traditions from France, Italy, Germany, Finland, England and more. Making Your Mark on Valentine’s Traditions – DIY Ideas. Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to bridge past and present. By understanding and incorporating our ancestral traditions, we celebrate not just love, but our cultural identity. This Valentine’s Day, consider how you can honor both your heart and your heritage. The tradition of sending Valentine’s cards dates back to the 15th century. Today, it’s one of the most enduring customs of the holiday. While we used to write hand-penned love letters, now we buy cards in stores or make our own, often with humor, heart, and a touch of glitter. 2. Experiential Gifts – Non-clichéd Valentine’s Day ideas France. Valentine’s Day presents that come in the form of cooking workshops for couples are becoming increasingly popular. Taking a flight in a hot air balloon over the countryside of France creates memories that will last a lifetime. In France, Valentine's Day is a day of grand gestures. Couples exchange love letters, flowers, and jewellery, with Paris being a top destination for romance Image: X/@VIParis
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