What is the tradition of Valentine's Day in the UK?

The British celebrate love, passion, and devotion on February 14th, Valentine's Day. The United Kingdom, like many other nations, celebrates this holiday with its own distinct traditions and customs. In the United Kingdom, Valentine's Day is a day to show your loved ones how much they mean to you by doing romantic gestures, giving presents and cards, and more. Take a deeper look at the UK's Valentine's Day traditions:

First, exchanging cards for Valentine's Day

In the United Kingdom, exchanging Valentine's Day cards is a long-standing custom. This tradition has been around since the 18th century and is still a common method for people to show their love.

Historically, it was common practice to sign a Valentine's card with the words "From Your Valentine." This allowed the recipient to remain anonymous while receiving the card. The ritual became even more intriguing and mysterious because of this.

Cards produced by Hand: Hearts, Cupid, Flowers, and Lace were common embellishments for handcrafted cards produced by hand in bygone days.

Cards of the Modern Era: From whimsical and funny to heartfelt and romantic, you can find a vast assortment of Valentine's Day cards at UK card stores these days. Despite the rise of electronic communication, many individuals still prefer handwritten notes.

2. Floral Delivery

In the UK, red roses are the traditional Valentine's Day flower. The ideal token of your affection, red roses represent ardour and devotion.

The days preceding Valentine's Day witness a dramatic increase in the demand for floral bouquets from florists all around the United Kingdom. Many people choose tulips, roses, and lilies.

Some individuals prefer flowers because of the symbolic implications they hold. White flowers signify innocence and a fresh start, while pink roses express adoration.

3. Heartfelt Presents

One of the most important aspects of Valentine's Day in the UK is the exchange of presents, along with cards and flowers. Common presents consist of:

Traditional Valentine's Day treats often include boxes of chocolates, particularly those in the shape of hearts. You may get Valentine's Day limited editions from popular brands like Cadbury and Hotel Chocolat.

Gifts of jewellery: Necklaces, bracelets, and rings are popular choices among those looking to express their feelings.

Personalised presents: Because of their special touch and thoughtfulness, personalised presents such as picture frames, personalised goods, or handcrafted crafts are also quite popular.

4. Dinners for Two

In the United Kingdom, a candlelit meal for two is a traditional Valentine's Day tradition. Romantic dinners for two typically involve reservations at a couple's favourite eateries or a home-cooked feast.

Reservations at Restaurants: On Valentine's Day, several eateries have special menus featuring heart-shaped meals and romantic lighting. Restaurants can reach capacity weeks in advance.

Having a home-cooked dinner together, complete with dessert, wine, and candles, is a popular choice for some couples.

5. Welsh Love Spoons

The Welsh have their own special way of celebrating Valentine's Day, and that's by exchanging love spoons. These wooden spoons, decorated with elaborate carvings, have been a sign of love since the 1700s.

All of the patterns on the spoon represent something meaningful symbolically. Hearts stand for love, while wheels signify strength.

Skilful Handiwork: Love spoons are typically handcrafted and presented as a symbol of love or dedication.

6. Celebrating Valentine's Day with Loved Ones

While most people think of romantic love when they hear the word "Valentine's Day," many Britons also use the holiday to honour the affection they have for their friends and family.

February 13 is Galentine's Day, a celebration honouring female friendships that was inspired by the Parks and Recreation TV sitcom.

In the name of family love, several households trade greeting cards or modest presents to express their gratitude for one another.

7. Valentine's Day Celebrations and Things to Do

Many different kinds of celebrations and events are planned all around the United Kingdom to honour Valentine's Day:

Party Venues: On Valentine's Day, several venues throw themed parties complete with cheesy music, décor, and beverages.

Taking advantage of the day, many couples organise a romantic weekend getaway to a rural area, a cottage, or a five-star hotel.

Some movie theatres and theatres host Valentines Fabric UK performances or romantic film screenings as a cultural event.

8. Practices Based on Past Events and Local Legends

Some of the UK's Valentine's Day customs have been around for centuries:

A local custom in Norfolk revolves around an enigmatic individual named "Jack" Valentine, who is said to give children little presents and goodies on their doorsteps.

Poems for Valentine's Day: Historically, many have turned to poetry as a means of expressing their feelings for one another. Poetry is a meaningful expression for certain individuals even in this day and age.

9. Contemporary Styles

Contemporary customs and themes have become an integral part of British Valentine's Day in recent years:

Spa days, culinary lessons, or concert tickets are some examples of experiences that many modern couples would rather give than material presents.

Sustainable Celebrations: As individuals become more conscious of the need to live sustainably, they may choose to give presents that are easier on the environment, such as plants in a pot or reusable products.

Self-Love: Individuals are increasingly indulging in self-care and self-love activities on Valentine's Day, with special treats being given to oneself.

In summary

In the United Kingdom, Valentine's Day is a day to honour love—romantic love, friendship love, and familial love. The traditions of Valentine's Day, such as exchanging cards, flowers, and presents or indulging in a romantic dinner or activity, continue to unite and delight people across. The spirit of the day—showing gratitude and love—has stayed the same, even though certain traditions have changed. In the United Kingdom, Valentine's Day is a great excuse to be nice to others, whether you're celebrating with a significant other, friends, or even just yourself.