23 April 2024 · Lucas Charnet
Sant Jordi: World Book and Copyright Day!
Sant Jordi: World Book and Copyright Day!
23 April, 2024
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Intellectual property
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Lucas Charnet
On April 23, the streets of Catalan cities come to life in a unique literary festival, where a sea of stalls filled with books and roses creates an unparalleled effervescent and cultural atmosphere. It’s Sant Jordi’s day, World Book Day, and although many may not know it, it’s also World Copyright Day. But why is this celebration held on this date? What does it mean to us? What is the link between the dragon, the book, and Copyright? In this article, we’ll explore the origin and significance of this day full of symbolism and meaning.
The Origin of the Day
The celebration of Sant Jordi’s day has deep roots in Catalan history and culture, dating back to the 15th century. The legend of the brave knight Sant Jordi, a story we surely all remember from school, tells how he defeated the fierce dragon to save the princess. According to tradition, a rose sprouted from the dragon’s blood, becoming a symbol of love and admiration.
Since then, the tradition of giving a rose as a gesture of love and appreciation to a loved one was born. This story has become an emblem of bravery and love, and every year, on April 23, Catalonia celebrates Sant Jordi’s day in his honour. So ingrained is this festivity in popular culture that as early as the 15th century, Barcelona hosted the ‘Fira dels Enamorats’, which could well be considered the first precedent of the day we know today.
The Origin of the Custom of Giving a Book
But although the tradition of giving a rose dates back to the 15th century, the custom of giving a book on this date is much more recent, dating back to 1930. It was an innovative initiative proposed by the Valencian writer and editor Vicente Clavel, who suggested celebrating Book Day in honour of Cervantes, coinciding with his and Shakespeare’s deaths.
The proposal gained momentum with the 1929 International Exhibition of Barcelona, where books began to be given away to promote reading and honour the authors. This symbolic gesture not only strengthened the connection between Sant Jordi’s day and literary culture but also significantly contributed to the spread of reading habits among the population.
World Book and Copyright Day
Sant Jordi’s Day is much more than just a tradition: it is a global recognition of literature and the authors’ legacy. In 1995, at the initiative of the government of Felipe González and with the support of Federico Mayor Zaragoza, then Director-General of UNESCO, April 23 was proposed as World Book Day. This date commemorates the deaths of great aforementioned writers such as William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, as well as others like Josep Pla and Garcilaso de la Vega.
Since then, April 23 has become a day to celebrate literature, knowledge, and cultural legacy. But why is World Copyright Day also celebrated on the same day?
The answer lies in the fact that the book is the ultimate expression of copyright, a tangible testimony where the knowledge, creativity, and cultural diversity of humanity are embodied.
UNESCO has been a tireless advocate for books and copyright, recognizing them as fundamental pillars for universal access to knowledge, the promotion of literacy, and ensuring equal educational opportunities worldwide. Thus, the book stands as the ultimate exponent of everything that copyright represents: a powerful tool that transcends borders and connects people across time and space, carrying with it the legacy and voice of past, present, and future generations.
The Bestselling Books in History
In a world where lists of ‘tops’ are commonplace, from the best chefs to the most viral YouTube videos, a question arises that is difficult to answer: What are the bestselling books in history?
It’s curious that some of the titles we’ll mention below are orphans in terms of authorship, meaning their authors are anonymous, or they are over two thousand years old, while others have barely been published in the last few decades. However, they all share the power to thrill, educate, and transform lives through their pages.
Among the countless stories that have left an indelible mark on humanity, these eight works stand out on their own for the number of editions published:
Conclusion:
On this World Book and Copyright Day, let’s celebrate culture and the love of reading. Books are beacons of knowledge that illuminate our lives and enrich our minds. Copyright not only protects authors’ rights but also safeguards our cultural heritage and offers us protection against counterfeiting and piracy. Let us always remember that knowledge strengthens culture and, therefore, society for future generations.
On this special day, don’t miss the opportunity to give a book, a rose, and share the love of reading and respect for copyright. Happy World Book and Copyright Day!
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