February 14th is Valentine’s Day! Did you know other cultures celebrate this holiday too?? Check out some countries that have their own unique Valentine’s Day celebrations and traditions…..
Australia
Australian’s
have a long history of gifting extravagant presents to their loved ones on
Valentine’s Day. This tradition began during the country’s gold rush in the
1850’s, when newly wealthy miners would buy elaborate valentines for their
wives or girlfriends. These gifts included items such as, satin pillows,
colored shells, decorated boxes, and even taxidermy hummingbirds. These gifts
came to represent high society and style. Today, couple’s still exchange large
gifts, though with a more modern spin. A typical Australian Valentine’s Day now
involves less dead birds and more dinner cruises, waterfront picnics, or proclamations of love on the radio.
South Africa
South
Africans couples celebrate Valentine’s Day similarly to couples in the U.S – they
exchange small presents, such as flowers, chocolates or gifts Single South
African women have a rather unique tradition where they pin the name of their
love interest on their sleeve and reveal their crushes to others.
Taiwan
Valentine’s
Day in Taiwan is celebrated on February 14th, and at the Qixi festival on July
7th. On both days men purchase special bouquets for their sweethearts. One
red rose symbolizes an “only love”, eleven roses symbolizes a
“special someone”, ninety-nine roses symbolizes “forever”,
and one hundred and eight roses is a marriage proposal!
Wales
Wales’
equivalent to Valentine’s Day is Saint Dwynwen Day on January 25th. The tradition
of celebrating Saint Dwynwen, the patron saint of lovers, began in the 17th century, when Welsh men gave
“love spoons” to women that they loved. These wooden spoons were intricately
decorated with designs of various meaning. Wheels signify support, horseshoes
symbolize luck, and keys represent the key to a man’s heart.
South Korea
Celebrations
of Valentine’s Day in South Korea can occur from February to April. On February
14th, women will gift candy, flowers, or small gifts to men. Then on
March 14th, or White Day, men will
return the action by offering chocolate, flowers, and a gift to the women. On
April 14th, singles may celebrate Black
Day, during which they eat black bean paste noodles called jajangmyeon and mourn
their single status.
How will you celebrate your Valentine’s Day? You can find a few suggestions here. Enjoy the day with family and friends!
Source: Huffington Post
