Romance with national flavor. How Valentine's Day is celebrated in different countries
How February 14 is celebrated in different countries (photo: Pexels)
Valentine's Day is a real love holiday that has its own unique traditions in each country. How do different cultures celebrate February 14?
France
France is called the birthplace of valentines because it was here in the 15th century that the Duke of Orleans wrote his first love letter to his wife. Today, lovers exchange exquisite gifts: perfumes, jewelry, and, of course, chocolate.
A romantic dinner in a restaurant or a trip to Paris is also a great idea for this holiday. The French believe that this is the best day to declare your love. No wonder Paris is considered the city of lovers!
Japan
On Valentine's Day, Japanese women give men chocolate themselves, but not just any chocolate, special chocolate! "Giri choko" is for colleagues and friends, and "honmei choko" is only for true love.
A month later, on March 14, men reciprocate with gifts - white sweets or accessories. Some even give teddy bears or jewelry. The Japanese love symbolic gestures, so the holiday has become especially popular here.
Giri Choko chocolate (photo: Wikipedia)
Denmark
In Denmark, Valentine's Day is full of mystery - it is customary to send anonymous "snowdrop letters". In these notes with romantic poems, dots are used instead of signatures. If the recipient guesses who the author is, he or she will receive a chocolate egg from the author in the spring!
On this day, the Danes also give dried flowers, a symbol of eternal love. This is a beautiful tradition that adds intrigue to the holiday.
Germany
Germans believe that the pig is a symbol of good luck and passion, so on February 14, lovers give each other souvenirs with the image of this animal. These can be plush toys, chocolate figurines, or even postcards with funny drawings.
In addition, heart-shaped gingerbread with romantic inscriptions are popular on this day. Germans do not lose their sense of humor, even when it comes to love!
In Germany, the symbol of lovers is a pig (photo: Freepik)
Italy
In Italy, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. The city hosts the Verona in Love festival, which includes concerts, contests, and romantic events.
The streets are decorated with red hearts and flowers, and lovers write touching letters to Juliet, hoping for a response. In the evening, a romantic candlelit dinner with a glass of wine is a must. Italy knows how to celebrate with passion!
Wales
In Wales, on Valentine's Day, people don't give valentines, but carved wooden spoons - a symbol of care and strong feelings. Hearts, keys, and locks are carved on them as signs of love and loyalty.
This tradition dates back to the 17th century when sailors gave such spoons to their brides before long journeys. Today, they remain a wonderful symbolic gift that conveys the most sincere feelings.
Spoons-gifts from Wales (photo: gazeta.ua)
Philippines
In the Philippines, Valentine's Day is a real wedding boom! Thousands of couples get married simultaneously in parks, squares, and even shopping malls. Mass weddings are organized by the state, and the newlyweds are helped with expenses.
For Filipinos, this is not only a holiday for lovers, but also a day for creating new families. And what could be more romantic than a proposal or marriage on the day of love?
Earlier, we wrote why we celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14.
Sources: Guardian, Lifehacker, Country Living Magazine.
