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Will You Be My Valentine? Valentine’s Day Traditions Beyond Roses
Valentine's Day, also known as Bálint-nap in Hungary, is a celebration of love, affection, and friendship. It's also seen as a harbinger of spring. No matter why you’ve been looking forward to February 14th, it’s worth spending a few minutes learning about the history and traditions of this special day.
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A Romantic Celebration with a Sad Background
The origin of Valentine’s Day is not entirely agreed upon, and the stories associated with it are far from romantic. One legend centers on Saint Valentine’s martyrdom during Christian persecution. He died on February 14th, 269 or 270 AD, and the story goes that he sent messages from prison to his friends, telling them he loved them and to remember him.
Another, more widespread theory relates to Bishop Valentine (Valentinus) of the 3rd century, who secretly married couples in Terni, central Italy, including soldiers, in accordance with Christian customs. Today, this wouldn’t be controversial, but Roman Emperor Claudius II believed that unmarried men made better soldiers and banned young men from marrying. Bishop Valentine was imprisoned and, through the power of his faith, restored the sight of the jailer’s blind daughter. Before his execution on February 14th, he sent her a farewell message signed “From Your Valentine.” Many associate this legend with the tradition of sending Valentine’s messages.
How the World Celebrates Valentine’s Day
England
Though today we mostly recognize the commercialized, heart-covered Valentine’s Day, it used to be associated with many beliefs and curious customs. Surprisingly, Valentine’s Day originally came from England, not the United States, and quickly spread to Ireland. In England, it was customary for young people to address the first person of the opposite sex they met on this day as Valentine, give them a gift, and show them special attention for a year.
France
In France, Valentine’s Day favored unfaithful wives, who could step out of their marital obligations on this day (even cheating on their husbands), and the husbands were expected to tolerate it.
Italy
Young lovers stand on a bridge or by a river, lock a padlock with their initials or photo on it, and throw the key into the water with a secret wish, commemorating their love.
Japan
On February 14th, girls and women give (preferably homemade) chocolate not only to their lovers but also to their fathers, brothers, friends, and even bosses. In return, men are expected to reciprocate with white chocolate a month later, on March 14th, known as White Day.
Finland
In Finland, friends rather than lovers celebrate this day, exchanging small cards, postcards, or gifts to commemorate their friendship.
Hungary
In Hungary, the Hungarian Association of Flower Arrangers, led by master florist Ági Guba, introduced Valentine’s Day in 1990 to brighten the days of waiting for spring. On this day, heart-shaped gifts fill the shops, and the sales of confectioneries and florists soar.
Though we love surprising our loved ones with little gifts, Valentine’s Day superstitions are more prevalent here. Tradition holds that a kiss from a lover on Valentine’s Day morning brings good luck, and one should not take offense or harbor anger on this day. Single girls are advised to place bay leaves under their pillow at night to dream of their future spouse. If they see a sparrow on the street, they will marry a poor man, while a goldfinch flying overhead indicates a rich husband. To captivate the desired “candidate,” one can eat an apple with nine seeds and secretly place the seeds in the boy’s pocket. Pro tip for cat lovers: if the family cat rubs against the leg of a visiting suitor, it’s said that he will marry a girl from that house.
