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Back to Inspiration
Rituals

Books & Love

Sant Jordi collage with a red rose, a statue of Saint George and the dragon, an open book and Casa Batlló.

A dragon, a rose and a knight. The legend behind Sant Jordi, and why Catalonia exchanges books and flowers every April.

The legend of Sant Jordi, deeply ingrained in Catalan culture, tells the captivating tale of bravery, love, and triumph over adversity. According to the legend, a fearsome dragon terrorized the kingdom of Montblanc, demanding regular sacrifices, including the king's daughter.

In a courageous bid to save his daughter and his kingdom, the valiant knight, Sant Jordi, confronted the dragon. With unwavering determination and skill, Sant Jordi battled the monstrous creature, ultimately delivering a fatal blow with his lance, slaying the dragon and freeing the princess.

Sant Jordi illustration by OCTAEVO

Yet, the legend doesn't end with the dragon's demise. It is said that from the dragon's blood, a rosebush emerged, symbolizing the triumph of love and courage over fear and oppression. From this miraculous bush, Sant Jordi plucked a single red rose and presented it to the princess, sealing their bond of love and marking the beginning of a cherished tradition.

OCTAEVO Sant Jordi rose and book illustration

To this day, on April 23rd, the streets of Catalonia come alive with the celebration of Sant Jordi, where men gift women roses as a symbol of love and admiration, and women give men books in honor of the princess's rescue, as April 23rd also marks the anniversary of the deaths of Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, two literary icons. The legend of Sant Jordi continues to inspire generations, serving as a timeless reminder of the power of courage, love, and sacrifice.

Red roses for the Sant Jordi celebration in Catalonia

If you are giving a book this Sant Jordi, our brass bookmarks and greeting cards make it something to keep.

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Occasional letters from the studio — new writing, new objects, and where the Mediterranean has taken us lately.

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