Celebrating St Valentines Day the French Way - Property for sale in France (2024)

FAQs

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.

In France, couples gift each other flowers, chocolate, macarons from Laduree or Pierre Herme and lingerie as we would in the States. It is often the perfect time to organize a special outing to a museum, romantic restaurant or a brunch in a special cafe. French restaurants often propose a special Valentine's Day menu.

La Saint-valentin – Valentine's Day in France

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.

Yes, Valentine's Day is traditionally only celebrated by romantic couples in France. Whereas in the U.S. and elsewhere, the holiday can be a time for expressing one's feelings on a romantic or platonic level, like with friends and family.

Although the Roman Catholic Church continues to recognize St. Valentine as a saint of the church, he was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 because of the lack of reliable information about him. He is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy, and beekeepers.

Avoid asking personal questions relating to one's age, sexual orientation, family or children unless you have a well-established friendship. The French highly value their privacy and the privacy of others. Inquiring about one's salary and finances is taboo.

Celebrating Valentine's Day in the United States comes with multiple go-to practices. Offering a bouquet of red roses to your beloved. Purchasing a card with a heartfelt message. Sharing a candlelit meal with your partner.

The Duke of Orléans, Charles, was captured in 1415 and taken as a prisoner to London; while imprisoned in the Tower, he is thought to have written love letters to his wife back in France. These are thought to be what became cartes d'amitiés, now known as French Valentine's Day cards.

Usage notes: Bonne fête traditionally means "happy (name) day," in reference to Saint's days, also known as Feast days.

What is all saints day called in French? ›

All Saints' Day, known as "La Toussaint" in France, is a cherished holiday observed on November 1st. It is a day dedicated to remembering and honoring the deceased, and it holds a special place in French culture and tradition.

Valentine's Day is called la Saint-Valentin in French because it's short for la fête de Saint-Valentin.

You may also want to give une carte de la Saint-Valentin (a Valentine's Day card) to wish Joyeuse Saint Valentin (Happy Valentine's Day) or Bonne fête de la Saint Valentin (Have a good Valentine's Day).

Century and a half later, Valentine's day is a popular holiday in many countries and France is one of them. A poll in 2022 showed that 71% of French people celebrate Valentine's Day. An average amount spent on this day per person is fifty euros. Couples buy each other gifts and romantic dinners.

Convinced that the celebration of Lupercalia threatened the supremacy of the Church over religious life, Pope Gelasius I outlawed the festival during his pontificate between 492 and 496. Traditionally, many believe that other Christian holidays in February, like Candlemas or Valentine's Day, replaced Lupercalia.

For decades, February 14 was just another day in Saudi Arabia, which banned Valentine's Day as antithetical to Islamic notions of propriety. Though some people cautiously exchanged gifts and flowers in February, they ran the risk of a run-in with the nation's religious police until about five years ago.

One Valentine was a priest in third-century Rome who defied Emperor Claudius II after the ruler outlawed marriage for young men. St. Valentine would perform marriages in secret for young lovers, ultimately leading to his death.

Although the Roman Catholic Church acknowledges St. Valentine as a saint, he was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 because of a lack of clarity surrounding his origins.