23rd April, Book Day

What do you know about BOOK DAY?
Read and learn about the history of BOOK DAY.

When do roses and books go together? The answer is on St George's Day. St George's Day is on 23rd April and people also call it BOOK DAY.
Every year, on 23rd April, people in Catalonia give each other books and roses in honour of St George. This tradition of giving roses began in Catalonia in the 15th century.
According to a Catalan legend, St George killed a dragon, and the dragon's blood turned into a rose bush. St George gave a rose from the bush to a princess, and once a year, men in Catalonia still give roses to women on this day.
But, how did books become part of the festival?
The answer is that both- Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare- died on 23rd April 1616, so because of this coincidence people began giving each other books on this day.
This custom became so popular that countries all over the world have started celebrating BOOK DAY as well.

In Catalonia, On 23rd April it is still a tradition to give a rose as a gift for every book sold.

* Did you know that?:

• William Shakespeare was born on 23rd April 1564 and died on 23rd April 1616.
• Inca Garcilaso de la Vega also died on 23rd April 1616.