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Love is in the air, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping, and just around the corner is the most popular day to be in love. Valentine’s Day is regarded as the most romantic day of the year and is celebrated worldwide with gifts of flowers, chocolates, cards, and public declarations of love. Italy is no exception; in fact, they go above and beyond for this national holiday.

Italy is regarded as one of the most romantic countries in the world, a close second to France. From the romantic sounding language to the beautiful landscapes, and the decadent desserts, it is easy to see why Italy loves love. This year maybe try celebrating the day of love the Italian way, by taking part in some historical traditions and grabbing some national treats from Vincenzo’s online or in-store today.

Valentine’s History

Valentine’s Day is celebrated all over the world and has been for the past few centuries, but its history is often forgotten. Before the days of mass marketed cards by Hallmark or chocolates by Lindt, Valentine’s was the celebration in remembrance of a Saint.

Saint Valentine or San Valentino was the patron saint of Terni, in Umbria during the 3rd century. San Valentino was a Christian saint who tried to get his neighbors and the citizens of Terni to convert to Christianity. He would often preform Christian marriages in secret for many couples. Eventually however, the emperor at the time, Claudius II, found out what San Valentino was doing. Emperor Claudius II was not a Christian and as such disliked greatly what Valentino was doing in secret. Claudius II then tried to force Valentino to abandon his religion, but Valentino refused. San Valentino was then killed on February 14th, 269, on orders from Emperor Claudius II for refusing to abandon his religion.

Saint Valentine is remembered as the patron saint of love. For a while he had been forgotten by the people and the church, however, in the 5th century the Catholic church decided to adopt the pagan holiday. The church used to celebrate a festival of fertility from February 13th to the 15th, but the festival began to lose popularity. They chose to add in the celebration of Saint Valentine, because of his passion for marriage. From there Valentine’s Day was born and is now celebrated all over the world.

Traditions Across the Country

Every country has their own traditions for every kind of holiday and Italy is no exception. Here in Canada, we celebrate Valentine’s Day to an extent, we buy flowers, go out for dinner, and maybe even go see a show or perhaps deliver a special proposal. Italy is seen as one of the most romantic countries in the world and their Valentines traditions simply add to the romanticism.

Historical Traditions

Italian Valentine’s Day traditions started during the Roman Empire. Originally it was a Spring festival where people would honor the Queen of Roman Gods and Goddesses – Juno the Goddess of women and marriage. In Italian it is called “La Festa Degli Innamorati” – The party of the lover. Because it is a Spring festival it is celebrated by taking walks through gardens and parks, going to outdoor concerts, sitting under trees, or simply talking.

Italy also has a mini tradition for single people, specifically single girls. It is said that on Valentine’s Day the first man a girl sees will be the man she marries or will at least look like him. So many single girls on Valentine’s Day will wake up early and sit by their open windows and wait for men to walk past.

Modern Traditions

Today, in modern day Italy, people still love Valentine’s Day but have adapted some of their traditions. A common gift to give on Valentine’s Day is chocolate, however, in Italy there is a special kind you give. Perugina Baci is a small chocolate covered hazelnut filled with a cherry liquid center, that contains a small love poem on the inside of the wrapper. You can pick up a box or small bag of these delicious candies from Vincenzo’s online or instore.

Padlocks

Another common tradition is to leave behind a padlock. Inspired by the book Ho voglio di te (I Want You) by Federico Moccia, where a young couple attaches a padlock to Rome’s ponte Milvio to ensure their love will last forever. The idea is to write both yours and your partners initials onto a padlock and then lock it onto a bridge, railing, lamppost, or some other landmark and then throw away the key ensuring your love will be eternal. You may have seen or heard about this tradition before being done in France, however, it has now also taken Italy by storm.

Verona

Many people may know the famous city of Verona from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where the play takes place. Because of its association with such a romantic play, they make a big deal out of the most romantic day of the year. In Verona, Valentine’s is a four-day celebration consisting of free concerts held in the Pizza dei Signori, giant hearts, heart shaped lanterns that line the streets, romantic restaurant specials, and even a love letter writing competition to Juliet with the winner being read from Juliet’s balcony.

Worldwide Celebrations

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in countries all over the world and every country has their own little traditions as well. Some of them, like Italy’s are a little more fun than others, and some like Canada’s are a little more simple.

Chocolate’s

In North America and Italy we love to gift chocolate for all kinds of occasions. Whether it is a birthday or Christmas or Valentine’s Day, chocolate always seems like a simple yet great gift. If you are looking to gift chocolates this year but want to do something a little different try a few of these options:

• Chocolate truffles

• Chocolate Biscotti

• Chocolate covered strawberries

• Chocolate macarons

• A Chocolate gift basket

• Chocolate cake

Or maybe just try some fun flavoured chocolate bars. Any kind of chocolate is good chocolate. If you are looking for some great chocolate options check out Vincenzo’s online or instore today and pick up some amazing and delicious options.  

Small Gifts

There are plenty of common gifts that you can find in any store around this time of year, from teddy bears, to flowers, to themed foods. But those are not the only options for gifts, in fact there are plenty of options all around the world.

• Bulgaria - The day of wine, couples celebrate by drinking local wine.

• Denmark – White pressed flowers called snowdrops are gifted.

• Japan – “Honmei choco”, True love chocolate is gifted to men.

• Germany – Pigs are a symbol of luck and lust; pig themed gifts are given along with giant heart shaped ginger cookies.

• Philippines – Mass weddings are held and sponsored by the government as a way for people in poverty to get married.

• Ghana – Chocolates are given for national chocolate day, Ghana’s biggest export.

• Taiwan – Flowers with special meanings are given, red roses mean “You’re my one and only”, ninety-nine roses mean “I will love you forever”, and one-hundred and eight roses means “Will you marry me?”

• Wales – Handcrafted wooden spoons have been gifted between lovers since the 16th century.

There are plenty of options and different traditions from all over the world. Maybe try mixing it up this year and gifting a pig or going out and putting a padlock on a bridge.

Foodie Ideas

Not everyone enjoys the typical gifts of flowers or teddy bears or chocolates. Sometimes getting your significant other or yourself something a little more suited to their personal tastes is a better option. There are always other material gifts like jewelry, however, you can never go wrong with some great food. Perhaps try something like:

• Fancy cheese

• Wine

• Bread

• Pastries

• Pasta

• A Charcuterie board

• A Fruit plater

• Cake

• Risotto

These are simply a few options for alternative food themed gifts to give to your loved one. Another option is to instead of going out for the evening, which is typically the go to, a home cooked meal is always a great choice. Sharing a meal and moment with the one you love is always romantic. Whether you are cooking the meal together or simply sharing the meal it is a great act of service and great way to show your love. Perhaps try homemade pasta or pizza or even a steak dinner. Top it off with a great wine or sparkling cider. End the meal with some amazing desserts or make some together as well. Food is always a great gift and a great way to show your love.

If you are looking to pick up some traditional Italian gifts this Valentine’s or perhaps some food for a great homemade meal, then check out Vincenzo’s. We have a great selection of desserts, savouries, gift baskets, and more, all of which would make great options for gifts this year. Head over online or instore this February and pick up some great gifts and have a “Buon San Valentino”, Happy Valentine’s Day!