Valentines Day Traditions Around The World
Introduction
Valentine's Day, also known as Saint Valentine's Day, is celebrated on February 14th every year. It is a day when people express their love and affection for one another, often through the exchange of gifts, cards, and flowers. While the holiday is widely celebrated in the United States and other Western countries, different cultures around the world have their own unique traditions for celebrating this special day.
Latin America
In many Latin American countries, Valentine's Day is known as 'Dia del Amor y la Amistad' (Day of Love and Friendship). It is a day not only for romantic partners to express their love for each other, but also for friends and family members to show their appreciation. In Mexico, couples often celebrate by going out to dinner and exchanging gifts, while in Brazil, it is common for people to exchange chocolate and flowers.
Japan
In Japan, Valentine's Day is celebrated a little differently. On February 14th, it is customary for women to give chocolates to men as a sign of their affection. There are two types of chocolates that are typically given - 'honmei-choco' which is given to a romantic partner, and 'giri-choco' which is given to friends, coworkers, or family members. A month later, on March 14th, known as 'White Day', men are expected to return the favor by giving gifts to the women who gave them chocolates.
South Korea
In South Korea, Valentine's Day is celebrated in a similar fashion to Japan, with women giving chocolates to men on February 14th. However, there is an additional twist to the holiday called 'Black Day', which is observed on April 14th. On this day, those who did not receive any gifts on Valentine's Day or White Day gather together to eat 'jajangmyeon', a noodle dish made with black bean sauce, as a way to commiserate with one another.
France
France is often considered one of the most romantic countries in the world, so it's no surprise that Valentine's Day is a big deal there. One of the most famous Valentine's Day traditions in France is the 'love lock' ritual, where couples attach a padlock to a bridge or railing and throw the key into the river below as a symbol of their everlasting love. Paris, the city of love, is especially popular for this romantic gesture.
Conclusion
Valentine's Day is celebrated in various ways around the world, each culture adding its own unique touch to the holiday. Whether it's through the exchange of gifts, special meals, or heartfelt gestures, the essence of the day remains the same - to celebrate love and affection for those special people in our lives.