Sant Jordi's Day (Diada de Sant Jordi)

What Is Sant Jordi's Day?

Every April 23rd is "Sant Jordi's Day," the feast day of Saint George (Sant Jordi in Catalan), the patron saint of Catalonia, Spain, marking the day he is said to have been martyred. Also known as "Book Day," it carries a custom in which men give women roses and women give men books (today, books are exchanged regardless of gender, and also between parents, children, and friends). Based on a proposal from Spain, UNESCO designated April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day.

The Legend of the Knight and the History of "Book Day"

The customs of this day combine an old legend with a relatively new tradition.

• The legend of Sant Jordi: According to legend, the knight Jordi (George) rescued a princess who was about to be sacrificed to a dragon. The dragon's blood is said to have turned into red roses, and since the Middle Ages Saint George has been associated with the red rose. That is why Catalans give red roses on this day, also called "the Day of the Rose."
• Giving books began in the 20th century: The custom of giving books is a relatively recent tradition that began in the early 20th century. April 23 is regarded as the death date (1616) of Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote," and is also the date of Shakespeare's death and his traditional birthday — which is how the day came to be linked with books.

Sant Jordi's Day in Japan

In 1986, the Japan Booksellers Federation, the Japan-Catalonia Friendship Association, and others designated April 23 as "Sant Jordi's Day" in Japan. Bookstores and florists teamed up for events, and image songs were even created for the day.

• Image songs: In 1986, the year it was established, the band Tulip's "Kuchizuke no Necklace" became an image song, and a string of related songs by idols and popular singers followed.
• Children's Reading Day: Under the Act on Promotion of Children's Reading Activities, promulgated in 2001, April 23 is also Japan's "Children's Reading Day."

Interesting Facts About Sant Jordi's Day

• Catalonia's "Valentine's Day": In Catalonia there is a Valentine's-like custom of giving red roses. The streets of Barcelona fill with stands selling roses and books.
• Roses paired with wheat: The typical gift is a single red rose accompanied by an ear of wheat.
• A city full of literary events: Bookstores and cafés host readings and other literary events, turning the whole city into a book festival.
• The mystery of Shakespeare's birthday: No record of Shakespeare's birth date survives; his baptism was recorded on April 26. Because baptism within three days of birth was customary at the time, among other reasons, April 23 has traditionally been considered his birthday.
• A day to think about copyright: UNESCO's World Book and Copyright Day is also a day to think about copyright — the rights of the people who write books — while enjoying reading.

Tips for Spending Sant Jordi's Day

• Pick out "a book that will stay with you" and "a single rose" for someone special — or for yourself — and let the gift carry thanks you might not normally voice.
• Set aside a little time to read at a favorite café or park, leaving your phone aside.
• Browse a bookstore and choose a book from a genre you don't usually read, just by its cover. An unexpected encounter might give you a new perspective.
• Display a single rose and make your reading time a little more special.

A Flower and a Book Bring a Small Story to Everyday Life

April 23rd is a lovely Catalan celebration in which the custom of giving flowers and the custom of giving books have become one. Amid the busyness of a new season, why not pause and turn the pages of a book? If you give someone a book, it may well become the start of a conversation between you.