Valentine's Day Traditions and Celebrations
Valentine Card, Valentine Flowers, Candies and Special Gifts
Feb 5, 2009
Valentine's Day is a special day for lovers. It is interesting to know how it is celebrated around the world and the role tradition plays. Not all countries have been mentioned in this article, but it is safe to assume that anywhere in the world beautiful flowers will reach the beloved.
Valentine Traditions
Around the seventeenth century, people believed that if a woman saw a robin fly over her head on Valentine's Day, she would marry a sailor. Alternatively, if she saw a sparrow she would happily marry a poor man, and a goldfinch predicted a millionaire.
In some countries young women receive a gift of clothing. If they keep it, it means they will marry the man who gave it.
People used to select five names of boys or girls they might marry. They then twisted the stem of an apple while reciting these names. The name that was uttered when the stem came off would be the person they would eventually marry.
Valentine's Day around the World
- Denmark --- Lovers give candy snowdrops and poems to loved ones.
- Finland --- Among the Finns, Valentine's Day is known as "Friendship Day." As the name indicates, this holiday is more about remembering friends than lovers. Cards, chocolates and flowers are sent.
- France --- The French exchange elegant cards called cartes d'amities which contain tender messages.
- Germany --- German lovers give the traditional red roses.
- Greece --- Tradition is very much felt as the Greeks celebrate the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera.
- Italy --- A spring festival is celebrated with an equal number of young single men and young single ladies. They get together and write their names on a piece of paper which is rolled up. The ladies draw a piece of the rolled paper and get their Valentine.
- Japan --- Valentine's Day is generally celebrated in which women, rather than men, give gifts. In many workplaces, women give chocolate to their male co-workers. This is known as giri-choko, derived from the words giri (obligation) and choko (chocolate.) A reciprocal day known as "White Day" is also celebrated on March 14, in which the men are expected to return the favour. The chocolate given is often white chocolate or marshmallows.
- Portugal --- The day is dedicated to love and romance. Couples spend a whole day in each other's company and exchange gift baskets.
- Romania --- The traditional holiday for Romanian lovers is celebrated on February 24 and is known as "Dragobete." This name was derived from the word "dragoste," meaning "love." In recent years, the Romanians have started to celebrate Valentine's Day, a trend that has caused frustration among many traditional groups and national organizations. They condemn Valentine's Day on the grounds that it is commercial and superficial.
- Sweden --- Valentine's Day is known as "All Hearts' Day" in Sweden. It was launched in the 1960s by the flower industry. While it is not an official holiday the purchase of cosmetics and flowers during this time is claimed as second only to Mother's Day.
- United Kingdom --- There are many Valentine's Day traditions specific to each region in the UK. In Norfolk, there is a figure called "Jack" who comes to the back door of houses and leaves presents for children. Although this is a benign act, many children are scared of this "mysterious" man.
Readers who found this article insightful may also enjoy some more love quotes. Check out Love Quotes from Great Writers, Passion and Love Quotes from Great Thinkers and It's Love Wellness: I'm Lovable, You're Lovable.
Sources:
- StValentinesDay.Org
- Sydney Observer
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