Call it what you want, but Valentine's Day is so much more than a day on the Hallmark calendar! Read about the history of Valentine's Day and traditions from around the world to celebrate Valentine's Day. #valentinesday
The actual story of Saint Valentine remains somewhat of a mystery as there are multiple Saint Valentines recognized throughout history. It is said that the lives of three saints were merged together and the festival of love dates back to the 14th century in Europe where writing a love note to your beloved was given on February 14th.
Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the United States as a day to show our love and affection with love notes, chocolates, romantic dinners and floral bouquets of red roses. But have you even wondered about how the rest of the world celebrates it?
5 Valentine's Day TRADITIONS CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD:
Japan: Valentine’s Day is a day of chocolate in Japan. Japanese women give Giri Choco, a relatively inexpensive chocolate, to male friends, classmates and those with no romantic attachment. Honmei Choco, a more expensive chocolate, is given to romantic partners by women. The favor is returned to women one month after on March 14th when “White Day’ is celebrated. Men give white-colored gifts to women including chocolate, marshmallows and jewelry.
Mexico: Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate both romance and friendship in Mexico. Balloons, cards, flowers, and stuffed animals are gifted to children, partners and friends.
Germany: Pigs, yes pigs, are the symbol of Valentine’s Day in Germany. Pigs represent luck and lust. Chocolate, paper, cookie-shaped and figurine pigs are given to lovers . Most commonly gifted is a ginger cookie in the shape of a pig which can contain romantic messages in icing like Ich Liebe Dich, German for “I love you.” Valentine’s Day in Germany is considered a romantic holiday for adults.
Italy: Valentine’s Day is a lovers-only holiday in Italy. Couples get together for a romantic celebration and exchange a box of hazelnut-filled chocolates wrapped in silver and blue foil called Baci Perugina. Inside each baci, which means “kisses” in Italian, is a small love note written in various languages.
France: The French exchange sweet love letters called Cartes d’Amities with their lovers on Valentine’s Day. Paris, aka the “City of Love,” is a destination for couples, particularly on Valentine's Day, from all around the world where couples attach a padlock to bridges and throw the key in the river below as a symbol of their unbreakable love. The romantic city of Paris may be a destination on Valentine’s Day, but it has our heart all year round!
Whether you celebrate Valentine's Day with your significant other or friends, we love celebrating this special day!
#valentinesday
Share with us in the comments below your favorite ways to celebrate Valentine's Day!
