German Culture

All about Germany

  • Home
  • Learn German
  • Articles
    • Famous Germans
    • German Holidays
    • German Cuisine
    • How To In Germany
    • Daily Life
    • German Facts
    • German Traditions
  • Facts About Germany
  • German History
  • German Recipes
    • German Baking Recipes
    • German Christmas Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Easter Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Main Dishes
    • Salads
    • Sauerkraut Recipes
  • Travel to Germany
  • Contact

Valentine’s Day in Germany – Valentinstag

valentine_pig
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, and though celebrating Valentine’s Day has only become popular within the last few decades in Germany, there are several traditions Germans have taken on wholeheartedly. This includes giving cards, sweet treats and flowers to their loved ones on this special day.

As the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day is quite recent in Germany, there are not so many traditions connected with it. This day is really aimed towards adults only; children at schools do not exchange little heart shaped cards, as in other countries. It is a strictly “adult matter”. But still the card-giving ritual and the little heart-shaped gifts or chocolates, spread out from France and England, are also common for Germans. One can also find a full range of romantic paraphernalia – gifts, cards and chocolates specifically made for Valentine’s Day.

There is a curious twist to Valentine’s symbols in Germany: little pigs offering flowers, or others laying down on chocolate hearts rather provocatively. There is a double meaning there: that of luck and lust. Sometimes with the Valentine, there are some pigs holding a four-leaf clover while climbing a little ladder on a heart.

Valentine-Germany-Gingerbread-Cookie

There is another interesting attribute of Valentine’s Day in Germany – big ginger cookies, made in the shape of a heart and decorated with frosting. They usually contain a few words written on them  expressing one’s feelings or even more straightforward messages describing the lover’s intentions. These cookies are available for sale before Christmas too, but they are the most popular on Valentine’s Day.



You might also like:

  • German Christmas Traditions: A Journey Through Festive Customs and Enchanting Celebrations
    German Christmas Traditions: A Journey Through Festive…
  • Exploring the Magic of the Cologne Christmas Market: A Festive Journey
    Exploring the Magic of the Cologne Christmas Market: A…
  • Authentic Marzipan Kartoffeln (Marzipan Potatoes) Recipe
    Authentic Marzipan Kartoffeln (Marzipan Potatoes) Recipe
  • 15 Best German Christmas Recipes
    15 Best German Christmas Recipes
  • The Magic of the Munich Christmas Market: A Festive Wonderland
    The Magic of the Munich Christmas Market: A Festive…
  • German Chocolate Cake: A Surprising History Beyond Borders
    German Chocolate Cake: A Surprising History Beyond Borders
  • Exploring the Rich History of Advent Calendars in Germany
    Exploring the Rich History of Advent Calendars in Germany
  • A Taste of Tradition: The Rich History of Stollen Bread
    A Taste of Tradition: The Rich History of Stollen Bread

Recent Posts

German Schorle

Exploring the Refreshing World of Schorle: A Traditional German Beverage

German Spritzer

The Ultimate Guide to Spritzers: Refreshing, Effervescent, and Versatile

Spekulatius German Spiced Biscuits

Spekulatius (German Spiced Biscuits): A Traditional Delight

Haselnussmakronen - German Hazelnut Macaroons

Haselnussmakronen (German Hazelnut Macaroons): A Delightful Treat from Germany

German Sauerkraut

The Rich History of Sauerkraut in German Cuisine: A Culinary Journey

Copyright © 2023 · German Culture

Go to mobile version