In 469 AD, Pope Gelasius I created one of the most popular holidays in the world: Valentine’s Day. This Catholic feast day spread quickly throughout the Christian world, retaining its popularity even as Catholics converted to Protestantism. Although the holiday was removed from the Holy Roman Catholic Calendar in 1969, it is still widely celebrated by people of all religions and nationalities.
Valentine’s Day, or Valentinstag, is a relative newcomer to German tradition. While it has been celebrated in France, England, Canada, and the USA for centuries, it was only in the wake of World War II that it became popular in Germany. In fact, the first Valentine’s Day Ball held in Germany took place in Nuremberg in 1950. The multi-cultural environment encouraged Germans to participate in Valentine’s Day with many of the same traditions seen around the world; however, Germany also has its own unique traditions for the holiday.
Geared towards Adults
In America, Valentine’s Day is for all ages: you find cards geared towards young children, and exchanging valentines is a part of many teachers’ lesson plans for February. In Germany, however, you will not find as many Valentine’s Day cards with cute or popular kids’ characters. The holiday is geared more toward adults.
Flowers
The most common gift for Valentine’s Day in Germany is flowers. Men traditionally give their beloved a bouquet of flowers as a demonstration of love. However, just picking up a bunch of roses will not do—men find out their sweetheart’s favorite flowers and get bouquets made from them as a way to show that they care deeply about their lady. Women typically do not get flowers for their men for Valentine’s Day.
Trading flowers is one of the main reasons for the popularity of Valentine’s Day in the German-speaking world. Florists and confectioners helped spread awareness of the holiday by advertising extensively.
Glucksschwein (Luck Pig)
When you visit Germany during the Valentine’s season, you will find depictions of pigs everywhere. Pigs are a favorite symbol of Valentine’s Day, traditionally a symbol of luck. For wishes of extra luck, the pigs often hold four-leafed clovers or are seen climbing ladders to reach a heart.
Lebkuchen (Gingerbread) Cookies
Another tradition for Valentine’s Day in Germany is the gift of large, heart-shaped ginger cookies with decorative icing. You can find these cookies for sale at many major festivals throughout the year and during the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas markets), but they are also popular for Valentine’s Day. Want to make traditional decorated ginger cookies? Try this recipe from the Huffington Post. Then cut the dough into hearts and pigs, bake, and decorate!
