The Day that Could Potentially Replace Valentines Day

In the English-speaking world, April 23rd is a day celebrated to mark the day St. George died, though this day has little to do with the saint. The date was selected as the International Book Day date because it coincidentally was the day that both Cervantes and Shakespeare passed away in 1616, as well as William Wordsworth in 1850. It was first observed in Spain in 1923 after Vicente Clavel’s proposal, though the date was officially adopted in 1930.

International Book Day

The idea to celebrate International Book Day also known as World Book and Copyright Day was conceived in 1922 by Vicente Clavel, head of the Barcelona-based Cervantes publishing business, to honour writer Miguel de Cervantes and increase book sales. It was first celebrated during Cervantes’s birthdate before it was moved to his death date. Though the day is celebrated worldwide by book lovers, it is widely celebrated in Catalonia, Spain, where it is referred to as the Day of Books and Roses.

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Why Was it Known As The Day of the Rose

Before 1931, world book day was known as the Day of the Rose. Historians claim that on April 23, 303 AD, Romans beheaded a soldier known as George. Over the years the story of this knight developed into a legendary one. In Spain, the legend involved Sant Jordi killing a dragon and saving a princess. A rose shrub grew from the dragon’s blood after Jordi killed it, and the knight gave one of these roses to the princess.

UNESCO’S Adoption of the Day

In 1995, UNESCO adopted April 23rd (St. George’s Day) as the world book day and declared the book as the most crucial instrument in the dissemination of knowledge. In line with this, Barcelona was named as the City of literature in 2015. The day seeks to promote reading culture among the people. Every year on April 23, ceremonies are held throughout the world to honour the importance of books as a bridge across generations and cultures, as well as a link between the past and the future. This year, the World Book Capital is chosen by UNESCO and the international organizations that represent the three main book business sectors—publishers, booksellers, and libraries—to sustain the momentum of the Day’s celebrations for a year through their activities.

Can We Make the Day Romantic

Historically women received flowers from their men as a show of love, while they gave out books in return. I know some of us might not love reading but we can inculcate the culture through romantic gestures. How about we use the little trick of getting flowers for our spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, and fiance/fiancees during the first round, then gifting each other books? The books need not be romantic novels! As Drew Broussard puts it, Give it a shot this year! Rush to your local independent bookstore, stop by your local grocer florist or park, and surprise somebody you love today—it’ll become a tradition before you even know it.