Valentine’s Day Celebration around the World

There are several stories that we get to hear about Valentine’s Day and its origin. But the origin of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to 270 AD when Valentine, a priest was buried. It is believed that Valentine was a priest who used to perform weddings for single men and women despite instructions from Emperor Claudius II to stop marriages. Emperor Claudius II believed that single men were better soldiers and prevented men from getting married. This infuriated the priest and he defied the Emperor by performing marriages.

This resulted in the priest’s imprisonment. In prison, he fell in love with the prison guard’s daughter. He sent a note to the jailor’s daughter in which he scribbled “From Your Valentine”. Till date people send such notes to the ones they love. February 14th is celebrated as Valentine’s Day around the world.
 

How Valentine's Day is celebrated in different parts of the world

Valentine's Day in USA

February 14th is a holiday in USA and Canada. Celebrations which started as a festival of love for lovers have broadened its purview. These days, you can wish Valentine’s Day to any whom you love. It can be your parent, your sister, or your teacher.

Gifts are exchanged and the most popular ones include candies, fresh flowers, cards, cookies, roses, and artifacts. Heart shaped boxes with “Be My Valentine”, “You are My Valentine”, and “Be Mine” written on them are very common.

Valentine's Day in Korea

In Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th. On this day, women gift chocolates and other gift items to their male friends. However, men don’t return the gifts on February 14th; instead they do so on March 14th. March 14th is known as “White Day”.

Valentine's Day in Denmark

The Valentine’s Day card in Demark is known as ‘lover’s card’. It is unique and is exchanged between lovers. An interesting feature of this card is that most of the cards are transparent. When they are held in front of light, you will see images of a lover gifting flowers to his special person.

Another custom that is observed on Valentine’s Day in Denmark is sending “Snowdrops” to friends. ‘Snowdrops’are special flowers that are white in color but they are pressed. These flowers are exchanged between lovers.

“Gaekkebrev” is a romantic letter that is sent by a man to his beloved. This letter mainly contains jokes and humorous rhymes.

Valentine's Day in Britain

Valentine’s Day in Britain is celebrated in the same manner as it is celebrated all over the world. But in Britain the Valentine Day song is unique. There is a special song that is sung mainly by children.

In few areas of England, a special type of bun known as Valentine Buns is prepared.

Valentine's Day in Italy

Earlier Valentine’s Day was celebrated as Spring Festival in Italy. It was celebrated in huge public gardens where young lovers gathered, enjoyed music and poetry recitations.

Over the years, the ritual has changed and these days you will find young people celebrating this day differently. Lovers exchange gifts, candies, chocolates, and flowers. Eating out in restaurants and food joints are common.

An interesting Valentine gift that you will find in Italy is Baci Peruina. It is hazelnut dipped in chocolate and it has a small note with poetic quotes that are romantic.

Although Valentine’s Day around the world has various traditions and customs, the essence and the concept remains the same.

Latest Updated on 27/12/2010