By Ibne Tamim and Shawrna Sen
Stores are brimming with candy hearts, chocolates, and plush animals when Valentine’s Day approaches. Valentine’s Day in the United States is marked by aisles loaded with teddy bears and boxes of chocolate, but not every country celebrates the holiday with greeting cards and heart-shaped candy. Others nations commemorate a specific festival for the loveless to grieve their solitary life over black noodles, while others exchange wooden spoons and pressed flowers. Here’s a glimpse at how seven nations throughout the world celebrate Valentine’s Day traditions.
#1) South Korea
In the early weeks of February or a week before Valentine’s Day, many retailers and companies are busy selling special products. On February 14th, couples go on dates. It’s a lovely and joyous day for couples. Although some may dismiss it as a minor holiday, if you are in a relationship with a Korean, you should surely pay attention to it. In terms of gift-giving, South Koreans celebrate it in a unique way. On this day in South Korea, only women gift chocolate to males. Women give men presents on Valentine’s Day, contrary to popular custom in the United States. Convenience stores and supermarkets feature enormous displays packed with popular chocolates and even ready-made gift baskets to purchase on this day. Single individuals do not celebrate this day, although they do celebrate Black Day (a day dedicated to all single persons who did not get presents, chocolates, or confessions on Valentine’s Day.) Singles traditionally eat dark bowls of Jajangmyeon, or black bean paste noodles, on April 14th to commemorate their lonely existence.
#2) Argentina
For the passionate Argentinians, one day isn’t enough; they dedicate a whole week in July to the celebration of love, called ‘Sweetness week.’ Sweetness Week started in 1989 with Arcor, a confectionery manufacturer. They created a commercial called “Candy for a Kiss.” The plan was to deliver chocolates and other candy from the firm in return for a lovely kiss on the cheek. Every year in July, participating couples exchanges candy and kisses for the entire week. Between the 13th and the 20th, couples trade kisses for sweets, and the week of festivities concludes with a friendship day.
#3) South Africa
On Valentine’s Day in South Africa, it’s customary to go out with your date. Young white females used to participate in the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Young females pinned their partners’ names on their sleeves as a holiday rite. This habit is also practiced by men in some parts of South Africa, but it is uncommon. Various festivals are held in various cities around South Africa. Even before Valentine’s Day, all of the discotheques, bars, and restaurants are totally booked. On Valentine’s Day, shops and markets are elegantly decked with flowers.
#4) France
France is one of the most romantic places in the world. It is said that the first Valentine’s Day card has its origin in France. It started from love letters that Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Therefore, sending cards is a common tradition in France on Valentine’s Day. Additionally, another tradition in France is pairing off. Women who are left unmatched would burn pictures of men, and insult them, however this practice was ultimately banned since it was uncontrollable. Also, “Valentine,” an actual French village, is turned into an epicenter of romance. Homes there are decorated with roses, cards, and proposals for marriage.
#5) Italy
Valentine’s Day was originally celebrated as a Spring festival. People would gather around a garden and recite poems and listen to music before going out with their loved one. Young, unmarried girls would wake up before dawn to spot their future husbands, which is believed to be the first man they see on Valentine’s Day. Today, Italians celebrate Valentine’s Day by exchanging gifts and having romantic dinners. A popular gift on this day is “Baci Perugina”, which are small, chocolate covered hazelnuts, wrapped with a romnantic quote written in four languages.
#6) India
Indians celebrate Valentine’s Day by hosting parties and hanging out at get-togethers. Young boys and girls feel it is a day to express their emotions and propose to who they love. Additionally, many decide to get married on this day as it symbolizes love and affection. This day is dedicated to having fun in pizza parlors and restaurants with friends and loved ones. Indians also express their love by giving gifts in the form of soft toys, cards, chocolates, candies, and flowers.
#7) Romania
Romania has a very unique way of celebrating Valemtine’s Day. First it is celebrated on the 24th of February, and it’s a mix of both Valentine’s Day and a day to welcome the spring season. The tradition there is for men and women to go to forests to pick colorful flowers and/or wash their faces with snow, which is a sign of good luck.