Valentine’s Day Celebration in Italy
A short history about Valentine’s day and some Italian romantic phrases you need to know
There is no celebration of Valentine if there is no St. Valentinus a saint of Rome with his legend. In the legend, Valentinus was thrown into prison for marrying an army where soldiers were forbidden to marry. The imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” to greet him after he fell in love with a young girl — possibly the daughter of his prison warden — who visited him during his confinement.
Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote a signed letter ‘From your Valentine’ an expression still used today. He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint Valentine’s Day. On each Valentine’s Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.
Italians usually celebrate Valentine’s day along with spring festivals. In Italy, Valentine’s Day known as La Festa Degli Innamorati. Boys and girls gather together in a park to read poetry and music performances while bringing their respective partners.
Italian girls usually wake up at dawn on Valentine’s Day. It is said that the first man they see on that day will be their life partner, or at least their life partner will be similar to the man.
For those who already have lovers, they declare love for each other by attaching a padlock that says the names of both couples to the bridge fence. The key is thrown into the water. The couples also gave flowers and chocolates.
A special valentine’s day food in Italy is Baci Perugina which is a sweet dish made from hazelnuts and chocolate. Usually this food is wrapped in silver colored paper. Baci Perugina is packed with romantic quotes as an expression of affection for the couple. These foods can be purchased in stores or made by themselves with simple and easy recipes. So if your Valentine’s holidays will have the opportunity to visit Italy, do not forget to buy Baci Perugina and gift it to loved ones.
There are 14 romantic phrases to express your love in Italian :
1. Amore ti amo (I love you my love)
2. Per sempre tua (Forever yours)
3. Per sempre insieme (Forever together)
4. Sei bellissima (You’re beautiful)
5. Ti amerò per sempre (I will love you forever)
6. Amore mio (My beloved)
7. Sei sempre nel mio cuore (You are always in my heart)
8. Siamo fatti l’uno all’atra (We’re made for each other)
9. Il tuo sorriso e’il sole della mia vita (Your smile is the sunshine of my life)
10. Mi sono innamorata di te (I have fallen in love with you)
11. Vuoi essere la mia ragazza? (Will you be my girlfriend?)
12. Voglio passare il resto della mia (I want to spend the rest of my life with you)
13. Tesoro, Mi vuoi sposare? (Honey, will you marry me?)
14. Facciamo l’amore (Let’s make love)
So this is a Valentine’s celebration in Italy, hopefully this can be an inspiration for you to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. — Bernadetta Gitya Christy Wulandari, Chief of Public Relation Department, ILC-HMP UGM.
You can find and follow us on:
● Instagram, Facebook, Twitter — @ilcugm
● YouTube — International Language Center UGM
