Ever wonder if Valentine’s Day is just another commercial holiday that Hallmark takes advantage in America? Apparently not. Sure, we may go overboard with the high expectations for a perfect date, kiss, and gift, but it is true Valentine’s Day is a multicultural holiday and the theme of love is celebrated worldwide.
The theme rings true throughout the globe, yet how people express their love and affection differs in different countries. Let’s take a look at how the rest of the world celebrates Valentine’s Day:
France. You can expect that Valentine’s Day is truly appreciated in the country where the “City of Love” is located. In the middle ages, when birds began to mate halfway through the second month of the year, French lovers considered this a sign and began exchanging love letters, hence the date of V-day. An old tradition that is now illegal was “une loterie d’amour” where single men and women would be in opposite facing houses and call to one another until they paired off. If the guy was not happy with his choice, he would just leave her for another woman. Women who were left single then built a large ceremonial bonfire and burned images of men who “burned” them. I am imagining Taylor Swift’s “Picture to Burn” playing in the background. Today is less confrontational and fresh flowers with love notes are the preferred gift.
Italy. Couples exchange flowers and chocolate along with more extravagant gifts such as perfume and diamonds. A popular Valentine’s Day gift in Italy is Baci Perugina, a small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts containing a small slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages. From experience I can tell you that any girl would be happy to receive these chocolates from an “Italian Stallion”!
Scotland. Imagine the blindest of blind dates and you will find yourself in Scotland on February 14th. Scots spend the romantic day celebrating with a complete stranger. A popular tradition in Scottish culture is “The Search of the Valentine Date.” The first man or woman a person sees on the street becomes his or her Valentine. If you aren’t brave enough for this, another tradition is anonymously sending a valentine to your crush.
United Kingdom. Along with exchanging cards, chocolates and flowers, Brits refer back to their Shakespearean side and write sonnets and verses to each other. Expressing affection isn’t limited to adults, though – kids join in by singing songs. Can you imagine a miniature Romeo and Juliet saga occurring on the playground?
Canada. On Valentine’s Day, balls and parties are organized and thrown all over the country. Talk about the ultimate date where you can dress up like Cinderella for your Prince Charming, eh?
South Africa. Here Valentine’s Day becomes Valentine’s Week with weeklong celebrations and parties. Young girls celebrate the day by participating in a tradition called “Lupercalia.” where they pin the name of their lover on their sleeve. I imagine the old Saved By the Bell episode where they wear heart necklaces with names.
India. Valentine’s Day is a recently added holiday in India, despite its clashing with their conservative religious traditions. Festivals are weeklong here as well and the day is hyped by television, newspapers and more. Young couples dress up in beautiful, embellished clothing and go on dates and exchanging gifts similar to those exchanged in America.
Japan. The Japanese take the gift of chocolate on Valentine’s Day to a higher level. Hom-mei is a chocolate only for boyfriends and husbands that women buy. What do the women get in return? Their gift is usually white chocolate but they have to wait a whole month later to receive it.
China. Chinese Valentine’s Day is on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month on the Chinese calendar. This year it will not be until August 13th. This day is known as Qi Qiao Jie. Couples visit a temple called “Temple of Matchmaker” and pray for happiness and future marriage. Single people also visit to pray for luck in finding love. Star-gazers also celebrate this holiday by looking up at the star, Vega. A night under the stars with the one you love, who would complain?
With Valentine’s Day approaching, you can choose to celebrate it in the traditional American way with chocolates, flowers, candy, romantic dates and cards, or you can incorporate a few of these traditions from around the world. Just remember: love is universal so there are many ways to spread and share it on February 14th!
Sources:
http://suite101.com/article/valentines-day-traditions-in-france-a183550
http://www.dosomething.org/blog/how-other-countries-celebrate-valentines-day
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/foodfestivals/a/chinavalentine.htm
Photo Sources:
http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-find-out-who-is-sending-you-valentines-cards
http://www.firstnews.co.uk/news/religious-group-protests-against-valentines-day-i7309
http://crazy-frankenstein.com/valentines-day-love-wallpapers.html