Valentine's Day is celebrated on 14 February every year. It is the day when love is celebrated almost all over the world. On this day people express their feelings of affection towards others by giving them cards, gifts or flowers, often over a romantic dinner. Let's see how it is done in some countries!
In China, February 14 is called 'Qi Xi Festival', which means '7th night' (7th evening). Legend has it that on this particular night, seven fairies descend with peaches to help lovers live longer. Peaches are said to have aphrodisiac powers, so people get peaches and chocolates together to eat on this night.
In the United States, Valentine's Day is very much celebrated, but unlike in France, this day is not just for lovers but for everyone we love. Americans celebrate Valentine's Day by giving cards, candy, dinner out to their lovers and spouses. They also send greeting cards to friends and family members who are not in a relationship!
In Japan, on February 14, women give gifts to men! The chocolate box is the most common gift and the roles are reversed a month later, on 14 March it is men who give gifts to their partners.
In Brazil, Lovers' Day is celebrated on 12 June amidst colourful street parades.
Italians look forward to 14 February because it coincides with the end of the carnival season. Italians give each other sweets, such as chocolates and panettone (a traditional cake), but also flowers or jewellery because it is sweet to be in love!
February 14th is celebrated in the UK with flowers, cakes and cards for loved ones. The British give flowers to their partner as a symbol of affection and chocolate as a sign of appreciation
In Portugal, 14 February is called 'Dia dos Namorados' (Lovers' Day). Roses are the most popular flower given on this day. Other popular gifts are perfumes or jewellery. Gifts can be exchanged until midnight on Valentine's Day, after which it becomes a 'normal' day.
February 14th is Valentine's Day in France, although Saint Valentine was never officially canonised as a saint by the church! On this day, people often send love letters and cards, exchange flowers and chocolates, and celebrate with a romantic dinner.
In Norway, couples give each other candy hearts with secret messages on 14 February. The words include 'Be mine', 'Hug me', 'Kiss me', etc. These messages are small reminders of the time when the couple was born. These messages are small reminders of the importance they attach to each other!
In Spain, couples exchange cards and gifts on 14 February for 'Los enamorados' (lovers' day). Couples and lovers go out for dinner and buy each other small gifts as in many countries.
On this day, single Swedes who are looking for love wear a rose on their shirt. It is said that the person who wears the last rose is destined to be alone forever!
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is a very romantic holiday! Couples celebrate their love by sending balloons with handwritten messages inside. In addition, they exchange cards and sweets or flowers. They also go out to enjoy a romantic meal together in a nice restaurant!
On Valentine's Day in Germany, it is customary for young women to decorate their flats with red hearts before a man enters. This way, no one is in any doubt about where his heart is! In some regions, the man visits his girlfriend and gives her a rose, while the woman gives her a little poem. Afterwards, the two enjoy a delicious dinner together!
Poles celebrate Valentine's Day on 14 February, as in other countries. However, Poles also have a special tradition of celebrating the 'Karnawałowa Nina' (Carnival Nina). During this ceremony, men throw small gifts to young women, and the woman who catches the most gifts becomes the Carnival Nina!
In Romania, there is a tradition called Martisor (spring flower gift). During this ceremony, men send flowers and gifts to family members and friends.
You will notice great similarities in the way Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world!
Happy Valentine's Day to all lovers.
Express-Flowers.co.uk
