Valentines’ Day Traditions around the World

Is love celebrated this gleefully on February 14 worldwide? Does Saint Valentines’ Day hold

special significance in all parts of the world? Valentines’ Day customs evolved in modern

England and has its origins from the Roman holiday, Lupercalia. One of the primitive

relevancies of this romantic day reaches out to Cupid, the Roman God of Love, whose image

represents a young boy holding a bow and arrow in his hand.

Each year, the day is celebrated in the name of one or more early Christian Saints named

Valentinus. A popular tale refers to St. Valentine of Rome, who was imprisoned for carrying out

weddings of warriors who were actually outlawed from tying the knot. During his detention, he

was found guilty of writing a love letter to Jailer’s daughter, Asterius, signed as ‘Your

Valentine.’

He was hanged till death for his acts but made a memorable name in the hearts of various lovers

in Rome. From then, February 14 is observed as Valentines’ Day, a day dedicated to beginning

a new love relationship and cherish the matured ones together. Saint Valentine is considered a

patron of true love among men and women. Couples exchange flowers, greeting cards,

chocolates, and gifts on this day to appreciate each others’ commitment and efforts.

Though having the same theory of honoring love and romance, there are different Valentines’

traditions in different countries. Let’s take a look at few interesting and unique customs

worldwide, which you can follow to enjoy an exclusive day of love with your valentine.

United States

Being the number one occasion in the United States, V-day is revered with immense pomp and

joy. US consumers spend extravagantly on chocolates, dozen roses, gift cards and other

precious items. It is indeed a joyful day for singles as well as they celebrate it with friends and

family. You can express your emotions in any form and to anyone, be it your mother, sister or

sweet little kids. Streets are decked up with heart-shaped crafts, red balloons, and other romantic

symbols.

Most men spend lavishly to pop out the question in front of their ladylove. They present

precious jewelry ensembles such as diamond rings and gemstone stunners, to put a twinkle in

her eye and a smile on her face. Even teenage boys manage to buy a valuable gift for their cute

girlfriend on this hearty occasion. Birthstone and heart jewelry are well-liked and fashionable

gifts for the occasion.

Most shops and stores show up special Valentines’ sales, with whooping discounts and deals on

all products. Valentines’ 2014 witnessed a total spending of 13 million dollars, only in the

United States. Waiting for a soaring figure this year!

China

Chinese regard it as ‘lovers’ festival’ or ‘Qixi festival’, which is celebrated on the seventh day of

the seventh month of the lunar calendar. Termed as ‘Double Seventh Festival,’ the day treasures

the meeting of a legendary cowherd and a weaver maid. They were reunited by a group of

magpies, which formed a bridge between the cowherd and the maid, welcoming conjugal bliss in

their life.

Traditionally, girls visit temple, worship celestials, and recite prayers, desiring for a loving

husband. Chinese Valentines’ does not fall on February 14; it is on August 20 this year.

Italy

Italian lovers celebrate Valentines’ with great enthusiasm. Initially, it was consecrated as Spring

Festival, and the event was held in the open air. Young people gathered in festooned gardens

surrounded by abundant trees and vegetation, and cherish music and poetry. Later, they strolled

with their partner.

February 14 is a holiday in Italy, imported from the American tradition. Known as “La Festa

Degli Innamorati,” the day is a celebration and exchange of gifts only among love couples, and

not among family and friends (as they do in the US). Giving away flowers and chocolates, and

planning out romantic dinners are the activities on V-Day, in Italy.

Finland

They say love is a friendship set to music. Certainly, it is true with the citizens in Finland. They

commemorate Valentines’ as “Friends’ day”, when people here remember their friends and hang

out together. All streets and shops are decorated with hearts and flowers and single people get

opportunities to find a new friend while walking on the street.

This is how lovers’ day is celebrated in Estonia as well.

France

France is indeed a country of love and romance. Valentines’ day is known by the name ‘Saint

Valentin’ by French people and celebrated in the same way as other western nations.

Legends believed that the culture of Valentines’ card instigated by Charles, Duke of Orleans,

France. He sent love letters to his wife during his imprisonment in 1415. Lately, presenting

goodies, sharing candle-lit dinners, and proposing for wedding are popular Valentines’

endeavors taken up by French people.

United Kingdom

Observed on 14th February, people in the UK send anonymous messages, greeting cards, flowers

and gifts to the ones they love, like a secret admirer you can say. Usually, a bunch of red roses,

packs of imported chocolates, clothing, bottle of champagne, electronic gadgets like cell phones,

a short trip to the outskirts, or a sumptuous evening meal are the attractions of Valentines’ in the

UK.

Do you know other interesting activities happening on Valentines’ Day all around the world?

Share it in comments below and propose innovative ways of celebrating the ‘most beloved day’

of the year.

Source - https://medium.com/@naomijane/valentines-day-traditions-around-the-world-f482875fe394