*Deep breath in and exhale.* Can you smell the love in the air? Valentine’s Day is upon us and, of course, all have mixed feelings. Some couldn’t care less, some are excited and others are somewhere in between. No matter where you may fall on the spectrum, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to find that special someone and express your love. #Twitterpated #Bambi
The United States isn’t the only country that catches the love bug on February 14th. Other countries, like South Korea and South Africa all celebrate in their own special way. Granted, some of these countries celebrate on different days, but nevertheless, they celebrate.
In South Africa, along with gifts of chocolates, flowers, and other tokens of love, it is also customary for women to wear their hearts on their sleeves…literally! The women write the name of their love interest on a heart and pin it to their sleeves so the men may learn of their secret admirer. This tradition is said to derive from an ancient Roman tradition known as Lupercalia.
In Brazil, Dia dos Namorados, or “Lover’s Day,” is celebrated on June 12 due to Carnival being held in either February or March. Brazilians celebrate with music festivals and performances and with the gifting of cards, flowers and chocolates, which are not limited to just couples but friends and family members, as well. They all get together for dinner and exchange gifts. The next day, known as Saint Anthony’s Day, is dedicated to honoring the patron saint of marriage.
On this day, single women engage in the rituals known as simpatias, in the hopes that St. Anthony will bring them a husband.
Amore in lovely Italia is celebrated by couples engaging in a romantic dinner. Baci Perugina, one of the more popular Valentine’s Day gifts given, are small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts wrapped with a romantic quote printed in four languages. (Mmmmm….sounds scrumptious!!!)
(Valentine’s Day in Verona)
South Korea has a slightly different tradition, and if you’ve ever seen a K-Drama, you know! South Korean women are the ones who express their love for their S.O. or crush and give gifts. Another little tidbit of trivia you may not have known is that Valentine’s Day, in South Korea, has some variations and is celebrated monthly, with the gift-giving beginning on February 14th. The women will give gifts of chocolates, candies and flowers (like in the Western world, but in reverse) and try to woo their men.
There is also White Day and Black Day. On White Day, March 14th, the men begin showering their women with gifts but also up the ante with a gift. Black Day, April 14th, is the day for singles to mourn their status of being single by eating jajangmyeon, or black bean-paste noodles.
(Excluding Black Day, I do love the idea of gifting to a guy so that he may up the ante with a gift!!! You know, to show how much he cares.)
Lastly, but too cute to ignore is Denmark’s tradition for celebrating the day of love. Friends, families, lovers, etc. exchange what is known as snowdrops (pressed white flowers). Also, the men give women a “joking letter” known as gaekkebrev. Inside is a funny poem or rhyme written on the intricately cut paper and signed with anonymous dots and if the woman can guess correctly who sent her the letter, she earns an Easter egg later that year.
(This is a snowdrop flower.)
*Sighs* Isn’t love beautiful?
So, whether or not you are #Twitterpated in this season, try out some of these traditions with significant others and/or friends and family.
To the ladies in a relationship, I would go for the South Korean tradition (wink, wink)!