Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. In the United States, when we think of this holiday, we think of roses and chocolate, cards and romance. But did you know that Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world? While the celebration of love of all kinds is the point of the holiday, different countries have developed different traditions to mark the day. Here are five ways from around the world.
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Valentine’s Day in Denmark
Valentine’s Day in Denmark is a celebration of love between friends and sweethearts. Instead of fresh roses, the Danes exchange pressed snowdrops – white flowers that come into season at the end of winter. There is the gift of “lover’s cards,” which are transparent cards with a picture of the giver presenting a special something to their love. The term “lover’s cards” has come to be used to refer to all cards exchanged on Valentine’s Day. Young people also exchange love poems, with a twist. The “gaekkebrev” is given anonymously by an admirer, and the recipient who correctly guesses the author will be gifted with an Easter egg that year.
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Valentine’s Day in Japan
More like a Valentine’s season, Valentine’s Day kicks off a month-long period dedicated to love. On the 14th of February, traditionally, women give a special chocolate, “hon-mei,” to the man they love. Women also give “giri-choco” chocolates to friends, family, colleagues and bosses, but these are considered respectful signs of affection rather than romance. But the celebration does not stop there. A month later, on March 14th, known as White Day, men return the favor by gifting chocolate as well as flowers and other gifts to the woman who gave them hon-mei. These chocolates are white to go along with the day.
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Valentine’s Day in South Korea
Much like Japan, South Korea has more of a Valentine’s “season”. In addition to Valentine’s Day and White Day, in South Korea, April 14th is known as Black Day – a day for singles to “mourn” the lack of love in their lives by wearing all black. They also eat noodles with a black sauce, jjajangmyeon, which is also a national dish associated with comfort.
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Valentine’s Day in the Philippines
In the Philippines, romance is in the air on Valentine’s Day. The worldwide traditions of exchanging cards, gifts, flowers and chocolate are carried on with gusto. However, Filipinos take the significance of the day one step further. Many people in the country participate in mass weddings, where as many as hundreds of couples gather together to exchange vows, for the first time or renewing their loving commitment. It is even considered a public service, with some events sponsored by the government.
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Valentine’s Day in South Africa
Did you ever wonder where the term “wear your heart on your sleeve” comes from? In ancient Rome, on the 15th of February, women would pin the name of their love on their sleeve as part of the larger festival of Lupercalia that some believe was the precursor to Valentine’s Day. Today, in South Africa, women – and some men – continue the tradition by writing the name of the one they love and pinning it to their sleeve on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day as an Opportunity for Thoughtful Appreciation
Back in the United States, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to make a romantic gesture for that special someone, let your friends and family know you care or consider making a gift as part of a customer appreciation program. Regardless of the recipient, to have the greatest impact, make the gift unique, memorable and related to the interests and likes of the person.
If you are interested in exploring unique, creative gift ideas, visit VirtuArte or give us a call at (866) 228-3497. All purchases must be made by 11 February 2020 to guarantee arrival by Valentine’s.
