The French take on Valentine’s Day
How do the French celebrate Valentine’s Day, you may ask. Don’t take (only) my words for it. I did a quick survey among a few of my French BFFs to know what they think of Valentine’s Day, if they celebrate it and how. Keep reading to find out how a group of French women are seeing this holiday.
I asked my girlfriends back home what they think of Valentine’s Day, if they celebrate it and how. I smiled when reading their answers because there is such a gap between French and American versions of Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day in the U.S.A.
In the U.S., I’ve noticed that as soon as Christmas is over, the store aisles are turned into an (overwhelming) pink-heart-candy maze. It is a major holiday and not just for couples. It is an occasion to show the love and gratitude to ALL the people in our life.
Having a child now, I realize how big of a celebration it is especially for kids. Was it always that way? I learned about “Valentines” last year: little cards I needed to buy for my daughter’s classmates. Well, I guess I also got a few sweet treats for her teachers to show our appreciation for all their hard work. Does that mean I am embracing the American way of celebrating Valentine’s? I wouldn’t go that far... I’d call that “adaptability!” We ensured to support local bakers and created our own cards as a weekend activity. Did I have fun? I must confess, oui !
Valentine’s Day in France
But back to my French friends and their take on this special holiday. Whether they are currently single, dating or with a long-time partner, they all agree on the commercial aspect of Valentine’s Day. However, most of them don’t mind using it as an excuse to dine out!
Flora says the meaning of Valentine’s Day can be different for her each year. Some years, she doesn’t celebrate it at all, other years she’ll go to a nice restaurant, or she’ll go out with her BFF.
Claire prefers going to a nice restaurant a few days after the holiday as she doesn’t want the overpriced Valentine’s Day menu. “It’s more about spending a moment together,” she adds.
Adriana agrees. “We use it as an opportunity to eat out or spend a weekend somewhere new and nice. The importance is about creating memories together.”
For those who read our interview with Ingrid last year, you may guess that Valentine’s Day has a very special meaning to her: it is a celebration of flowers! But not the traditional red roses, as they are actually not in season in France at that time of the year. “Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to remind people that each flower has its own season. Just like vegetables.”
Which got me thinking… It may be time to rethink the poem “Roses are red…” and switch it to more seasonal flowers, don’t you agree? Ingrid recommends looking at Floret’s directory to find a flower farm near you that will offer in-season beauties.
What about gifts?
To the question, “do you do gift?,” the answer is unanimously no. Exception goes to Ingrid who actually has a history of gifting flowers to her lovers. “I love gifting flowers to a guy.” The feminist in me found this statement so eye-opening. Of course, why are flowers such a gendered thing? Can’t men appreciate their beauty, too?
I’ll leave you with that thought!
Valentine’s Day for me…
Before wrapping up this post, I have two personal fun facts to share with you:
February 14, 2014 is the day I moved to the U.S. and started a new life with my now-husband. It happened that I received my visa the day before and flew in on Valentine’s Day. I still remember the celebratory dinner we had that night.
February 14, 2017 is the day I sent out my very first BFF newsletter (which was initially called “The French Way”), and I can’t believe it’s been six years already. Thank you to my dear friends who’ve been reading it from the start, and to all of you who have joined in!
So I can say it has a special meaning for me too. What about you? How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?
photo 1: one of our first Bulls game in 2014. Living my brother’s dream! — photo 2: the very first dose of Frenchness in 2017 — photo 3: homemade lasagna to celebrate 7 years in the U.S.