The answer to any question regarding how is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France is that the occasion gives rise to much joy as well as plenty of enthusiasm and it is one day in the year when the French do not hold back in being able to profess their love for those who are close to them, and much like in other countries all around the world, the French too exchange Valentine’s Day greeting cards and also give fresh flowers as well as gifts for anyone whom they love.

The Time Of Year When Birds Begin Mating Activities

The reason why the French are very enthusiastic about celebrating Valentine’s Day is that there is a strong association with this day with France, and also because originally the French as well as British people believed that during the month of February birds began their mating activities, and thus it greatly influenced how is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France. For this reason the French considered St. Valentine’s Day to be a special day and thus they began to exchange gifts and love letters and also began to show their love for others.

In fact, the way that how is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France was also greatly influenced by fourteenth and fifteenth French poets who stressed on the idea of love on Valentine’s Day and thus a romantic image was formed about this day that has stayed in the minds of the French population even up to these modern times.

In fact, the French are generally also credited with conceiving of the idea of Valentine’s Day cards and another noteworthy aspect as to how is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France is that a particular custom known as “drawing for” is typically French in which unmarried youth as well as the elderly would go to houses facing their own and call out across to find a partner with whom they would then be paired off, though of course it did not always lead to romance.

Yet another feature of how is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France is that of lighting a bonfire in which ladies burnt the images of unfaithful lovers and they also proceeded to hurl many choice abuses at these unfaithful wretches. However, when this ritual crossed the boundaries of decency, it was finally abandoned and it has also even been officially banned by the French government.

Another custom that plays a part in influencing how is Valentine’s Day celebrated in France is that of exchanging very elegant cards that contained messages professing love for the recipient and these messages are termed as “cartes d’amities” though it must be said that this tradition is not really French and in fact originated in England where it was very popular.

Symbols of love and Valentine’s Day are all around us.  Though they become more prominent around February 14, it is possible to see them any time of the year.  Most people are aware of what symbolizes love and Valentine’s Day; yet, they have no idea how these icons came to represent these concepts.

Knowing why Valentine’s Day is represented by symbols like roses, hearts, and lace will help you to appreciate the holiday that much more—and it will make you appreciate the next display of affection someone has for you that much more.

All You Need Is Love

One of the most common symbols of Valentine’s Day is the heart.  Long ago, it was believed that all human emotions came from the heart.  Thus, when a heart was given to someone else, it meant that they were giving all of themselves to that person.  Though it is now known that the brain controls emotions, the symbol has remained throughout the years.

Lace and ribbon are also commonly associated with Valentine’s Day.  At first glance, it is difficult to see what correlation lace and ribbon have with Valentine’s Day.  The fact that these items are very feminine makes them a symbol of love and Valentine’s Day.  In medieval times, knights carried a lace handkerchief given to them by their loved one when going into battle. 

Flowers, but more specifically the rose, have also long been a symbol of Valentine’s Day.  The word “rose,” when rearranged is the word “eros,” which is the god of love and the root word for the word “erotic.”  In poetry and literature, lovers are often compared to roses.  Though most commonly thought of as being red, the different colors of roses symbolize different emotions.  For example, a lavender rose symbolizes enchantment, while a dark pink rose symbolizes friendship.  A red love symbolizes love, courage, and respect.

Have you ever heard a couple referred to as being “love birds?”  That’s because love birds and doves are another common icon of Valentine’s Day.  An ancient myth states that birds choose their mates on February 14.  Doves mate for life, making them a romanticized bird, and lovebirds are known for being touchy and dependant on their mate.

A Meaningful Expression

Simply being aware of symbols is not enough.  In order to fully appreciate them, it is necessary to understand where they came from.  Roses, lace, lovebirds, and hearts will are well known to most—but now you know their underlying meaning.

The American Greeting Card Association estimates that over a billion Valentine’s Day cards are given every year on February 14th. But the celebration of this day dedicated to love goes back centuries earlier. During the time of Chaucer in the 14th century love became almost an obsession. But, hey, could there be anything more worthwhile to be obsessed about?

Love steals over all of us in one form or another. And delighted about the fact we are, too. To really celebrate that fact, though, it’s never a bad idea to give it some material form. Actions speak louder than words, the old saying goes.

That action could be something as simple as making your own Valentine’s Day card. You did when you were in elementary school. You can do it again. Luckily, your efforts don’t really need to be any better than they were then. But you also have modern computers, the Internet and scrapbooking templates to help out if you want.

The key is to personalize your gift for that special someone. That way, they know you’re thinking of them and not mass producing. That’s okay for Hallmark, but you should not follow their example.

Personalizing can take the form of having a watch inscribed with a name and pithy phrase. You could have their initials or yours! stitched onto a beautiful leather wristband. Jewelry is always a big hit, too. Get a birthstone to show that at least you know what month he or she was born.

Don’t forget about the wine. This beverage is more than just a liquid to quench thirst. It creates one… a thirst for love, that is one that can only be satisfied by your Valentine. Look for something exotic, unique, individual from around the world. Just like your Valentine.

Go beyond giving a gift, whether chocolates, flowers or anything else. Don’t stop at giving a photo frame with the picture of your last vacation. Actually take one.

It might be something as short as a romantic getaway to a nearby Bed and Breakfast. Or, you could check into a Hotel/Spa for the day and be treated like royalty. Even a romantic dinner at the 4-star hotel you booked a room at can be the perfect capstone of the day. Take along those sexy gifts you bought.

Extend your experience and your celebration to other heart pumping activities. Book a parachute jump and hold hands on the way down. Take a skiing vacation at a local resort, then sit by the fire and toast one another. Hop on a ship for a short cruise to San Francisco, the city of love.

Men will approach Valentine’s Day a little differently than women. Likewise, women will think of it a little different than men. The gifts are different, but the goals should be the same. Celebrate that special person you found. Whether the relationship is a day old or decades old, you still have something new to learn about them. Find out on February 14th.