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