La Diada de Sant Jordi

Today, April 23, is St. Jordi´s day in Catalonia. It is celebrated in the many autonomous regions of Spain like Valencia and Catalunya. Much like Valentine´s Day in America, this is a day to celebrate those whom you love with a gift. The typical and customary gift for a woman is a rose, for the men or boys, a book. Generally it started a long time ago in honor of Saint George, the patron saint of Aragon. this day is celebrated in many different countries, like England for example, but for different reasons.

In history, the holiday was just a matter of presenting a rose to your wife or girlfriend. but in recent years, since Barcelona is the publishing capital of Spain and to coincide with the death of notable authors William Shakespeare and Spanish novelist Miguel Cervantes, whom both died on this day 1616, the idea of giving books was adopted as a gift to the male of the relationship. This gift giving is not to be limited to a lover or spouse but is extended to children and to respected others.

My mother in law, Carmen, has a flower shop, so I know where i had to go to get my rose, even if I was sure she was not going to charge me. After some morning errands, i stopped by her shop and she made up 3 blue roses for me to give to the ladies of the office, Carme, Natalia and Kasia, along with the red rose i picked out for Carme. he streets were filled with men carrying roses that either came from their boyfriends (you know who is pitching and who is catching in that relationship) or were to be delivered at lunchtime to their waiting spouses, girlfriends, and/or mistresses. Luckily for them, one rose is more than enough and not a full dozen or two for some woman to proudly show off at her work place, smelling up the whole place. When I got to the office, the woen all adored me for my thoughtfulness, but I did not have the heart to tell them it was from my mother in law, not me! Still i reaped the benefits and got a kiss on both cheeks from them all, except for Carme of course. Maybe I will get a more private show of appreciation.

My sister in law had a gift waiting for me. She had bought me a book about my favorite soccer team in the world.Barcelona!!! It was written in Englich, Spanish and Catalan. It´s a fun way to compare and learn new words and practice my reading.