St Valentine’s Day in France is celebrated widely. From silly gifts to flowers/chocolates/jewelry to exotic get-aways, the fête succitates joy, fun, and romance.

Romantic dinners in restaurants abound, travel agents post signs of couple’s cruises, and lingerie shops have a field day. Whether one waits for it with great expectations (“What’s s/he going to do?”) or with trepidation (“What should I give him/her?”), St Valentine’s has a special meaning for each of us. The advice one gets in magazines in France is to not worry about it but…just participate. Here are a few paraphrased suggestions:

First of all, they suggest knowing what the other wants/expects. If you’re coupled up, one should be attentive to the needs and wants of one’s partner. Find out ahead of time what the expectations are; don’t be caught up short. It’s a bit like a mirror; one should reflect what the other is thinking/desiring.

There are always the classic gifts: perfume, jewels, flowers or plants, but also trendy gifts such as cooking or wine-tasting classes. It’s also an opportunity to take time out for the couple, to organize something you can do together…a nice dinner together in a special restaurant, a romantic couple’s massage, a spa day or weekend. And the small details count, as well: breakfast in bed, your turn to do the cleaning up or take baby out.

Most of all, St. Valentine’s should be fun and spontaneous. According to a recent survey, only 40% of French couples celebrate the day; the other 60% know that St. Valentine’s Day happens all year long.

Some recent figures:

• 58.4% of French live together as couples
• 39.5% of French couples celebrate la Saint Valentin;
• 30% of French men intend to offer a gift of between 60-100 E for Valentine’s Day ($85-$140)
• 8,7 = the number of times per month the French have sexual relations (both men and women)

Vive l’amour!

La Chandeleur: February 2^nd

It’s crepe time in France! On February 2^nd Americans have Groundhog Day; the French have…. la Chandeleur, or the fête des chandelles (candles) which translates as Candlemass in English, referring to the blessing of candles which traditionally took place on this day. For Roman Catholics, it’s the feast of the Presentation of the infant Jesus at the Temple, occurring forty days after Christmas. But the origin of the holiday is in fact pagan and today many traditions and superstitions are associated with it. Here are some fun things you can do to celebrate la Chandeleur with your friends and family (or French teachers: with your students!)

• Have a crepe party and try your hand at flipping crepes ! Faire sauter des crêpes is something of an art form in France. For good luck, hold a coin in one hand and with the other, toss the crepe into the air when it’s time to cook it on the other side. If you manage to catch the crepe in the pan you will have good fortune in the coming year!

• Enjoy the crepes with sugar, jam, chocolate, or Nutella.

• The traditional drink to accompany crepes is hard apple cider (which can be replaced by sparkling apple cider sans alcohol!)

• Create ambiance for this fête de la lumière by lighting candles around your house.

• Learn the French rhyme: “Quand la Chandeleur est claire, l’hiver par derrière; Chandeleur couverte, quarante jours de perte!” (If February 2^nd is clear, no more winter to fear; if the Chandeleur is overcast, forty days of winter to last).

Bonne fête et bon appétit !