Like in the U.S., la Saint Valentin is celebrated on le 14 février and is a day to celebrate those you love. Symbols of the holiday are similar to the ones we know: flowers, chocolate, and the exchange of cards and gifts.

About la Chandeleur

Also called Crêpe Day, la Chandeleur is a French holiday during which people traditionally eat crêpes and drink cidre (not to be confused with apple cider, this beverage is only for people over 21!).

Though la Chandeleur is often associated with the Catholic holiday of Candlemas, it actually stems from pagan traditions. While some say Chandeleur celebrates the return of sunny days (crêpes symbolize the sun), others say that making crêpes using flour left over from the harvest ensures prosperity in the coming year.

And, of course, there is the traditional coin ritual: if you can flip a crêpewhile holding a coin in your other hand, you and your family will not have to worry about financial problems.

Similar to English proverbs about Groundhog Day, there are many French proverbs and sayings about la Chandeleur; here are just a few:

• À la Chandeleur, l'hiver cesse ou reprend vigueur
• On Candlemas, winter ends or strengthens
• À la Chandeleur, le jour croît de deux heures
• On Candlemas, the day grows by two hours
• Chandeleur couverte, quarante jours de perte
• Candlemas covered (in snow), forty days lost
• Rosée à la Chandeleur, hiver à sa dernière heure
• Dew on Candlemas, winter at its final hour

https://frenchculturalcenter.org/events/chandeleur-2016/