Song and culture in Germany in the Middle Ages was dominated by the concept of Minne. Minne refers to passionate but platonic love which the knights felt for a noble lady and a Minnesaenger, who travelled from castle to castle, praised the virtues of the ladies. The most famous Minnesaenger was Walther von der Vogelweide. More than 80 of his songs survive.
Minnegesang - minnesong
Minnesaenger - minne singers
Burgfraeulein - Lady of the castle
Tugend - virtue
Leidenschaft - passion
Valentine Day on the 14th of February does not have a long tradition in Germany. It has only been celebrated since about World War II. Although the anglo/saxon tradition of cards, flowers and sweets has found its way into German custom, Valentine is restricted to adults. No kids exchange cards; it is an exclusively mature affair.
Valentin Karte (f)- valentine card
Here are a few sayings related to valentine, oddly all refer to weather predictions.
Kalter Valentin - frueher Lenzbeginn = if it's cold on Valentine, spring will come early. (Note: Lenz (m)is the poetic word for spring=Fruehling(m)
Ist's am Valentin noch weiss, blueht zu Ostern schon das Reis= if there is still snow on valentine, trees will bloom on Easter( again, Reis (n) is a poetic name for branches=Zweige)
Liegt am Valentin die Katz in der Sonne, kriecht sie im Maerz intern Ofen voll Wonne = if the cat is sunning itself on Valentine, it will happily crawl behind a warm stove in March
