Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day History

Valentine's Day, also known as the Day of Love, is centered around expressions of affection and love between partners and loved ones. It is a day marked with the exchange of romantic gestures and gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and letters. It is not an official holiday but holds significant cultural value and impacts retail and service industries around the world notably.

The tradition of Valentine's Day dates back to St. Valentine, a Roman priest, who was martyred on February 14, 269 A.D. for performing clandestine weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry. Over centuries, the day has been sweetened from a day of martyrdom to a day of love, reaching different parts of the world, including Germany. In Germany, it has become increasingly popular over the past several decades, especially after World War II when American soldiers stationed in the country introduced the holiday. It is particularly cherished by couples, who take this day as an opportunity to express their deep affection for each other.

In Germany, Valentine's Day observance includes the exchange of gifts between partners, with flowers being a popular choice. Traditionally, heart-shaped gifts and messages are also common. However, unlike in some other countries, Germany's Valentine's Day celebrations are more limited to romantic relationships rather than extended to friends and family. Valentine’s Day is celebrated February 14th each year.

Facts about Valentine's Day

• Symbols for Valentine's day include hearts, chocolate, flowers, and Cupid - the Roman God of Love.
• Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind. And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind - William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
• Pig-themed gifts are popular on Valentine's Day in Germany. Pigs are considered symbols of luck and good fortune, so giving a pig-themed present, such as a small figurine, a piggy bank or images of pigs, is believed to bring good luck in love.
• The oldest known valentine in the German language was penned in 1451 by a monk in Constance and is now archived in a museum in Vienna.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Valentine's Day

Top things to do in Germany for Valentine's Day

• Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.
• Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.
• Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle: Perhaps the most famous of all German castles, its fairytale-esque structure becomes even more magical in the snowy winters. A romantic stroll around the castle can be just what you need on Valentine’s Day.
• Host a Valentine's Day Dinner - Many German restaurants offer special menus or romantic atmosphere for couples on Valentine's Day.