Valentine's Day Trends Around The World

What is Valentine's day?

Valentine’s day, which is set on February 14th, is celebrated globally in the name of Saint Valentine to embrace love as well as remind citizens of the world to show some gratitude towards their loved ones.It’s said that ‘Valentine’ was a priest that served in Rome in year 260 AD, the emperor at the time announced that single men made better soldiers than those with families and wives as they were not sacrificing as much, he outlawed marriage for young soldiers which Valentine was not on board with. After hearing about the law, Valentine decided to defy the emperor and perform marriages for young lovers in secret. After the emperor discovered this he beheaded Valentine on February the 14th 270 AD which led to the celebration of love in commemoration to Sir Valentine’s act for ongoing love.

Here are a few different ways that Valentine’s day is celebrated around the globe:

France

As Paris is known as the ‘City of Love’ be assured that France does not hold back on Valentine's day. The Eiffel Tower is lit up red the entire night as an homage to St. Valentines and red roses are also handed out at the lift for tourists It is also believed that the first-ever Valentine’s Day card originated in France, when the Duke of Orleans sent love letters to his wife from prison in 1415. The French village called “Valentine” turns into the epicentre of romance between the 12th and the 14th February.

South Korea

Romantic couples in South Korea celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month ‘The Day of Roses’ is celebrated in May, “The Day of Kisses” is celebrated in June, "The Day of Hugs" in December etc. Single people also nationally celebrate ‘Black Day’ during April by eating black noodles as a way to embrace their relationship status.

Ghana

In Ghana, February 14th is celebrated as ‘National Chocolate Day’ It was part of a step that the Ghanaian 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 this special day

Japan

Japan does Valentine’s day unconventionally compared to the rest of the world It is celebrated on the 14th of February as per usual, however, only women buy gifts and chocolates for their male companions , coworkers or lovers The men of Japan can not hand out gifts until the 14th of March, which is known as “White day”, where all the men who received presents a month earlier are expected to return the favour. In Japan, the colour white is linked to an innocent form of young love and is regarded as a symbol of purity, which is why the day was given this name. On White Day, men are supposed to give their girlfriends gifts that are typically two or three times as expensive as the ones they gave them a month before

Mexico

You don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Mexico. February 14 is known as "El Día del Amor y Amistad," which translates to the "Day of Love and Friendship" This is where everyone in Mexico (regardless of their relationship status) can celebrate the love they have for the people in their lives with flowers, cards, stuffed animals and a huge festival After sunset, the citizens of Mexico enjoy a magnificent festival with lights and performers all dressed in red to signify their love for one another.

Italy

Valentine's Day celebrations last four days in Verona, the home of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. In order to celebrate their love and culture, the locals can enjoy free concerts at the Piazza dei Signori, watch heart lanterns light up the city, participate in a contest to write love letters, and even partake in one of the many dinner specials being offered at Italian restaurants throughout the city.

The 14th of February commemorates the annual festival of love. A day to celebrate intimacy and the heart-eye fealty. But, while today’s meaning of this fete is entrenched in romance, summoning ideas of romantic flowers, and candle-lit dinners; the history of this celebration can be drawn back to the Romans, and is in fact violent, egregious, and, truth be told… just complicated.