Valentine’s Traditions & Customs
In Spain, Catalonia celebrates love on April 23rd (St. George’s Day). What do men traditionally give women?
A rose.
The village of “Saint-Valentin” is a popular destination for lovers. In which country is it located?
France
Which flower is most commonly associated with Valentine’s Day in the UK?
Red rose
Why is February 14th chosen as Valentine’s Day?
It is the feast day of Saint Valentine and was linked to the start of birds’ mating season in the Middle Ages.
In many European cultures, what does a red rose symbolize?
Deep love, passion, and romance
In Wales, what traditional wooden gift is often exchanged on January 25th instead of typical cards?
Lovespoons.
Which European country claims to be the burial place of St. Valentine’s heart?
Ireland
What does the “X” symbol at the end of a Valentine’s letter or card stand for?
A kiss
In the UK, which famous playwright wrote:
“Doubt thou the stars are fire… But never doubt I love”?
William Shakespeare
In which European country is Valentine’s Day also known as “Friend’s Day” (Ystävänpäivä)?
Finland
In Norfolk, England, a mysterious character leaves gifts on people’s porches on Valentine’s Eve. What is he called?
Jack Valentine.
Which city in Italy, the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, receives thousands of letters addressed to “Juliet” every Valentine?
Verona
What is the name of the winged Roman god of love often seen on Valentine’s cards?
Cupid (or Eros in Greek mythology)
In France, “une loterie d’amour” was a custom where people called out to each other from windows. What did the government eventually do?
Banned it
According to old English tradition, what is the first thing a woman should see on Valentine’s Day to predict her future husband?
The first man she sees.
In Denmark, what is the name of the “joke letters” with anonymous poems signed with dots?
Gaekkebrev
The first recorded Valentine’s love poem was written by a French Duke while he was imprisoned in which English landmark?
The Tower of London
In Germany, what animal is a common symbol of luck and passion on Valentine’s gifts?
Pig
In Romania, “Dragobete” is celebrated on February 24th. Who is Dragobete in folklore?
The guardian of love and spring
In South West England, people used to bake “Valentine Buns.” What was the main ingredient added to these buns?
Caraway seeds