Valentine's Day, an ancient tradition

boîte saint valentin

Nowadays, Valentine's Day is considered the celebration for lovers. Couples exchange small gifts, go to restaurants, or share a bouquet of flowers. But where does this tradition come from?

window heart

Is it of pagan or Christian origins?

If we trace back to Ancient Rome, we find references to the Lupercalia, an annual festival held from February 13th to 15th. This period was associated with the god of fertility. Some folklorists claim that our tradition of celebrating love on February 14th dates back this far, although it seems hard to believe it has survived through the millennia. Others argue that it was the Catholic Church, by designating three saints named Valentine as patrons of lovers, that gave rise to our current celebration.

The first documented trace of celebrating Valentine's Day dates back to the 14th century in Great Britain. February 14th was celebrated as a day of love in the broadest sense, as it was believed to be the day when birds mate the most. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that this celebration spread to mainland Europe to become the one we know today.

boites saint valentin

Valentine's Day around the world

Valentine's Day was originally an opportunity for people in love to exchange cards and sweet notes, not necessarily as couples. It is only about a hundred years ago that the celebration became exclusively for couples. The tradition of sending notes and cards spread around the world before being adapted by different cultures according to their own customs.

In Lebanon, on February 14th, students do not wear school uniforms and dress in red to sell cakes and chocolates and exchange hugs and gifts. In Japan, it is the women who give presents, not only to their romantic partners but also to their colleagues. The men are expected to return the favor a month later, on White Day, where they must give a white-colored gift to each woman who gave them chocolates. In Finland, a more unique tradition takes place on February 14th—the "wife carrying championship." In an obstacle race, the man carries his wife, and the winner receives her weight in beer!

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The pleasure of giving chocolate

Here, there’s no wife-carrying competition! However, giving chocolate remains a must for Valentine's Day. To declare your love, nothing beats a specially crafted collection of chocolates for the occasion. Our little vanilla milk chocolate heart will surely melt the heart of your loved one, not to mention the dark chocolate heart or the raspberry one. Does your partner enjoy discovering new flavors? We’ve just created a new recipe for a white chocolate and praline heart that’s bound to make them fall in love.

Today, the heart has become the universal symbol for expressing our affection. And when it’s made of chocolate, it’s even sweeter and more delicious! And of course, nothing stops you from choosing from all our other iconic chocolates and treats.