National First Love Day

Young woman holding a faded photograph of her teenage self, sitting on a vintage chair with a dreamy expression, surrounded by fluttering butterflies and nostalgic memorabilia.. — National first love day illustration

Grab your coat of nostalgia, recline back in the cozy armchair of memories, and brace yourself - because we're journeying into the pleasant yet weirdly emotional world of first loves! Yes indeed, it’s National First Love Day, a day for reminiscing about our teenage dreams and our first brush with butterflies in the stomach. So why is this day revered with such fervor you ask? Read on!

When is First Love Day?

It's national first love day on the 17th September.

A historical peek into National First Love Day

National First Love Day had a whopping 15266 mentions online to its credit. Coincidence? I think not! There's a particular day, 17th of September 2015 to be exact, when mentions of this quirky day peaked and conversations about first love filled the online space. Emotionally charged and sweetly nostalgic, this day has had the internet buzzing since its inception!

First Love: The Internet’s Sweetest Obsession

The internet loves love - but first love, now that's a special kind of magic. That unique blend of innocence, naiveté, and raw emotion often translates into long stories, nostalgic social media posts, and perhaps even a shy confession or two.

Why do we celebrate it?

First love is often considered as a rite of passage, a journey into adulthood and into the beautiful world of strong emotions. It's a looking glass into their full-fledged adult life that often leaves them yearning for more. National First Love Day gives us an opportunity to remember that special time and recount the roller-coaster ride of feelings it evoked.

How to commemorate the day?

How does one celebrate National First Love Day, you ask? Well, the internet has its suggestions - revisit old memories, reconnect with long-lost crushes, or even pen down your feelings in a heartfelt social media post.

History behind the term 'First Love'

14th century

Earliest known usage

The term 'first love' first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. It was derived from the Old English word 'lufu,' meaning love, and was commonly used to refer to the initial experience of romantic love or infatuation.

18th century

Popularized through literature

During the 18th century, the concept of first love gained increased popularity through literature. Writers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, in his novel 'The Sorrows of Young Werther,' and Jane Austen, in her novel 'Pride and Prejudice,' explored the theme of first love and its impact on individuals' emotions and relationships.

19th century

Idealization of first love

In the 19th century, the notion of first love became idealized. It was seen as a pure, innocent, and often unforgettable experience. Romantic poets like William Wordsworth and Lord Byron celebrated the intensity and emotional depth associated with one's first romantic attachment.

20th century

Cultural references

Throughout the 20th century, the concept of first love continued to be explored in literature, music, and films. The theme became a recurring motif in coming-of-age stories, where the protagonist's first experience of love often shaped their worldview and personal growth. Movies like 'Romeo and Juliet' and 'The Notebook' depict the enduring power of first love.

Present day

Symbol of nostalgia and sentimentality

In the present day, the term 'first love' has solidified its place as a symbol of nostalgia and sentimentality. It represents a cherished memory and often evokes a mix of emotions, from joy to heartbreak. The phrase is now commonly used to describe one's initial romantic encounter or the person with whom they experienced their first deep emotional connection.

Did you know?

Despite the bitter-sweetness that often accompanies first loves, a surprising number of people have claimed that their first love was, in fact, their best love. So, perhaps those teenage romances had more substance than we often give them credit for!