Do you know why Valentine’s Day is celebrated over the world?
Memories:
I recall as a child loving Valentine’s Day. I would look forward to coming to school and exchanging candy and a card. I loved the valentine candy especially the heart shape lollipops. I really liked the heart shapes and the cute sayings that were on the cards such as “love you” “cool valentine” or “be mine.” These were so loving for me.
History of Valentine’s Day:
There are some that believe Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial that probably occurred around A.D. Then there are others that claim the Christian church decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to ‘Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. This is according to History.com
***Some Countries Do Not Celebrate Valentine’s Day***
The 7 countries that do not celebrate Valentine’s Day or celebrate it differently than America’s traditional way include Malaysia, Indonesia, Iran, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Weddedwonderland.com further adds that in Saudi Arabia 2014 five Saudi citizens were sentenced to 39 years behind bars and 4,500 lashes after they were found dancing with six women they were not married to on Valentine’s Day. They further added that you can purchase love-themed gifts on any other day, but red roses, love-related items and red clothing are strictly banned on Valentine’s Day. I am so glad that is not the case in America.
***Valentine Traditions Around the World***
Although you know how your country may or may not celebrate Valentine’s Day, it is good to know how other’s celebrate it.
1. France
According to artvancouver.net making and sending Valentine’s Day cards is one of the most common ways to celebrate this holiday.
2. Italy
Did you know that in Italy an old tradition used to have young, unmarried girls wake up before dawn on Valentine’s Day to spot their future husbands. Artvancouver.net further adds that the first man a woman saw on that day was the man she would marry within that year, but today they celebrate it with gift exchanges and romantic dinners.
3. Philippians
The Philippines celebrate Valentine’s Day with mass weddings of hundreds or even thousands tying the knot. Scoopwhoop.com also adds that these events are often sponsored by the government as a form of public service. Now I like that. What if that was done in America? Many people could receive a free wedding.
4. Germany
In Germany pig keepsakes and cartoons are considered a symbol of luck. According to babbel.com they are just as common on Valentine’s Day as the displays of cupid in the United States. They also added that in Thailand’s Prachinburi province couples who marry around Valentine’s Day take part in a mountainside ceremony that involves rappelling ropes and dizzying heights.
5. South Korea
In South Korea on Valentine’s Day boyfriends and husbands are spoiled with chocolates and flowers. March 14th is “White Day” when women are doted on with chocolate, flowers and a gift. That is according to Unitedlanguagegroup.com.
6. Denmark
Did you know that in Denmark Valentine’s Day has been celebrated since the early 1990’s according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. They also added that Valentine’s Day is celebrated with a Danish twist and rather than roses, friends and sweethearts exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops according to huffpost.com. Now that is different. I really like the idea of a Danish Twist. I believe this would be ideal for pastry lovers.
7. Slovenia
Now intrepidtravel.com talks about the traditions of Slovenia stating February 14 marks the first day of working in the fields for the New Year and there is also a belief that birds propose to each other on this day and to bear witness to the occasion you have to walk barefoot through fields that are often still frozen. Now because I do not like the cold that is something I would have to think long and hard about. They further stated that on March 12 it is Saint Gregory’s Day when people generally celebrate their love for each other (hopefully in warmer weather).
8. Lore and Legends
The farmersalmanac.com talks about one legend that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. Because Emperor Claudius II believed single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret, thus resulting in Valentine’s death when his actions were discovered. Valentine suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February around the year 270.
Now that was the first legend. The second legend states that while Valentine was in prison he fell in love with a young girl- who may have been the jailer's daughter who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, according to the legend he wrote her a letter, which he signed, “From your Valentine,” and expression that is still used today. Now his signing of the letter sounds so romantic. Even though he was in jail he was still professing his love for her.
9. Start a Tradition With Your Kids
Have you considered starting a Valentine tradition with your kids? Sunshinewhispers.com talks about letting your little ones indulge themselves in the store. They suggest taking them to the dollar store and letting them by a stuffed animal. They added the goal is to use the opportunity to teach your kids about the importance of treating themselves in moderation.
Do you have a Valentine tradition that you would love to share?
Photo Caption: 3333873 from Pixabay
Sources:
7 Countries That Refuse to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day Traditions Around the World
Here’s How These 16 Countries Celebrate Valentine's Day
14 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Valentine’s Day TraditionsAround the World
What Valentine’s Day Traditions Mean Around the World
10 Valentine’s Day Traditions All Around the World
9 Unusual Valentine’s Day traditions around the world
Valentine’s Day Lore And Legends
5 Valentine’s Day Traditions To Start With Your Kids
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