Valentine’s
Day
History Of Valentine’s
Day
Valentine’s day around the world is celebrated in the name of Saint Valentine, but who’s this mysterious saint and why’s the festival celebrated with such gusto! Although the truth behind the festival is murky, there are a few stories you would like to know. It’s said that Valentine was a priest who served during the 3rd century in Rome, And when emperor Claudius II announced that single men made better soldiers than those with families and wives, he outlawed marriage for young soldiers.
Valentine went against this injustice being done to young men and started performing secret marriages for young lovers. When the emperor found out about Valentine’s actions, he ordered that the saint be put to death. The other tale suggests that the saint may have been killed while helping the Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were tortured. Gradually, Saint Valentine became so popular that couples all across the world started celebrating Valentine’s Day as the day of love.
Valentine’s day celebrations around the world occur in different ways that reflect local ideas about love. This day isn’t all about flowers and chocolates around the world. Different countries celebrate it in their own way.
1. England – Festival Of Romantic Love�
2. France – Epicentre Of Romance�
It is believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card was originated in France, when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife from the prison in 1415. And the French village called “Valentine” turns into the epicenter of romance between 12th and 14th February. One can see the beautiful yards, trees, and homes decorated with love cards, roses, and proposals for marriage flakes. It probably is the most beautiful Valentine’s Day traditions in the world.
3. South Korea – For A Unique Set Of Experience�
The romantic couples in South Korea celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. Yeah, you read it right! “the day of roses” is celebrated in May, “the day of kisses” is celebrated in June, “the day of hugs in December” and single people celebrate “the black day” in April by eating black noodles. It is a completely different Valentine’s Day tradition around the world.
4. Philippines – A Gala Event�
In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is the time when many young couples marry in an event sponsored by the government as a form of public service. Among the most amazing Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world, this one is a gala event in the country and a special day for young people.
5. Ghana – National Chocolate Day�
In Ghana, Feb 14 is celebrated as the “National Chocolate Day.” It is a step that the Ghana government took in 2007 to increase tourism in the country. Ghana is among the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world. On Feb 14, one can attend performances, music events, and restaurants that have themed menus for the special day.
6. Bulgaria – Day Of Winemakers�
Like any other country, Bulgaria celebrates Valentine’s Day in its own style. On 14 February, San Trifon Zartan is celebrated in Bulgaria, which means “day of winemakers”. Young and old couples celebrate their love with a glass of wonderful local wine.
7. Wales – Day Of San Dwynwen�
In Wales, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the most unique way. The country celebrates its day of love on Jan 25, which is called the “day of San Dwynwen.” On the day, lovers exchange unique and beautifully handcrafted wooden spoons to each other. This tradition is being practiced since the 16th century.
8. Spain – Feast Of Saint Dionysus�
The day of love in Valencia of Spain falls on 9th Oct. This is known as the feast of Saint Dionysus. The festival is celebrated in most of the parts of Spain by making ‘macadora’, a marzipan figurine. The figurines are made by men to gift to their female companions. One can also witness colorful parades on the streets of the villages of Spain.
9. Denmark – A Celebration Of Love�
Although Valentine’s Day is one of the new Denmark festivals, the country also celebrates the day of love and romance on 14th Feb with a twist. In Denmark, Valentine’s Day is not limited to roses and chocolates. Friends and lovers exchange handmade cards with pressed white flowers that are called snowdrops.
10. Romania – An Unusual Celebration�
If you’re looking for some very romantic and unusual celebration of valentine’s day around the world, then Romanians won’t disappoint you. The day is celebrated on 24th Feb as the day when young couples get engaged. It is basically a mix of Valentine’s Day and the celebration of spring season. Young men and women go to the forests to pick colorful flowers, while other couples wash their faces with snow as a sign of good luck.
11. Argentina – For A Week Of Sweetness�
Argentinians don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day in Feb, but “the week of sweetness” in July. It’s the day when lovers exchange kisses and receive chocolates and other sweets. In the country, the day actually started as a commercial invention but later became Valentine’s traditions.
12. Italy – Popular Day For Couples�
Originally Italians celebrated Valentine’s day as their spring festival. Another Italian valentine’s day tradition was for young, unmarried couples to wake up before dawn to spot their future husband. Today, Italians celebrate by exchanging gifts between lovers and romantic dinners.
13. Brazil – Lovers Day�
“Dia dos Namorados” festival, which is also known as “Lovers day”, is celebrated in Brazil. There’s a usual exchange of chocolates, cards, flowers, and one can witness music festivals and dance performances. Gifting is not reserved for couples during the festival, family dinners are common on the day.
14. Ukraine
Valentine's Day in Ukraine is a day of love and of all lovers. Couples around the world congratulate each other on this holiday and give each other symbolic gifts, such as sweets, stuffed animals, valentine cards, balloons and, of course, flowers.